1 00:00:32,079 --> 00:00:40,000 Good morning and welcome citizens of Douglas County. The May 5th, 2026 2 00:00:38,000 --> 00:00:43,440 Commission meeting of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners will come to 3 00:00:41,440 --> 00:00:47,039 order. County Clerk, please take the role for the record. 4 00:00:44,640 --> 00:00:53,120 » Yes, ma'am. Commissioner Henry Mitchell II, District 1, third. Third. I'm making 5 00:00:51,039 --> 00:00:56,719 you younger. Commissioner, >> District One, 6 00:00:54,960 --> 00:00:58,320 » Commissioner Whitney Kenner Jones, District Two, 7 00:00:57,520 --> 00:01:00,559 » present. >> Commissioner Martin Rexton, District 8 00:01:00,079 --> 00:01:03,199 Three, >> present. 9 00:01:01,199 --> 00:01:04,640 » Commissioner Vice Chair Mark Alcarez, District 4, 10 00:01:04,000 --> 00:01:08,159 » present. >> Chairman Ramona Jackson Jones, 11 00:01:06,560 --> 00:01:12,159 » present. Thank you so much, Madame Clerk. Board of Commissioners and 12 00:01:10,640 --> 00:01:15,520 Citizens of Douglas County, we are pleased to have with us this morning 13 00:01:13,840 --> 00:01:20,320 Camila Terrell from our board of equalization department with us to lead 14 00:01:17,759 --> 00:01:24,000 us in our invocation. Please stand for the invocation and after the invocation, 15 00:01:22,159 --> 00:01:27,280 please join me and our board of commissioners for the pledge to the 16 00:01:25,360 --> 00:01:31,040 flag. Thank you. >> Good morning everyone. It's an honor to 17 00:01:29,200 --> 00:01:34,400 be here. Let's go before the Lord in prayer. 18 00:01:33,119 --> 00:01:40,079 » Amen. >> Heavenly Father, we come to you today 19 00:01:37,280 --> 00:01:47,280 with gratitude and reverence, honoring your presence over Douglas County. Your 20 00:01:42,880 --> 00:01:53,600 word declares in Psalms 133, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for 21 00:01:50,000 --> 00:02:00,479 brethrens to dwell together in unity." So today we ask, unify this county. 22 00:01:58,079 --> 00:02:07,520 Unite our leaders, our community, and every household with wisdom, compassion, 23 00:02:03,600 --> 00:02:13,120 and purpose. Lord, gl grant clarity to those who govern integrity in every 24 00:02:09,840 --> 00:02:21,440 decision and justice that flows like a river as declared in Amos 5:24. 25 00:02:17,760 --> 00:02:28,160 Let every policy, every plan, and every partnership reflect fairness, 26 00:02:24,480 --> 00:02:33,120 equity, and truth. Strengthen the bridges between government and 27 00:02:29,840 --> 00:02:37,680 community. Lord, let there be trust where there has been tension, healing 28 00:02:35,840 --> 00:02:42,239 where there has been hurt, and collaboration where there has been 29 00:02:39,360 --> 00:02:47,680 division. We speak peace over our neighborhoods, protection over our 30 00:02:44,800 --> 00:02:53,920 families, and prosperity over our land. According to 2 Chronicles 7:14, as we 31 00:02:51,200 --> 00:03:00,480 humble ourselves and seek your face, you will heal the land. So we call Douglas 32 00:02:57,200 --> 00:03:06,159 County healed, restored, and thriving. And I'll say that again. We call Douglas 33 00:03:02,640 --> 00:03:11,360 County healed, restored, and thriving. And one for the Holy Spirit. We call 34 00:03:08,319 --> 00:03:16,480 Douglas County healed, restored, and thriving. Now, Father, cover this 35 00:03:13,840 --> 00:03:21,040 meeting. Guide every voice, and let your will be done on earth as it is in 36 00:03:18,640 --> 00:03:25,280 heaven. It is in your sovereign name we pray. Amen. 37 00:03:22,720 --> 00:03:31,440 » Amen. Amen. I pledge algiance to the flag of the 38 00:03:28,560 --> 00:03:38,640 United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation 39 00:03:35,040 --> 00:03:42,080 under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. 40 00:03:49,840 --> 00:04:00,000 Thank you so much, Miss Camila Terror for bringing such a wonderful prayer 41 00:03:55,840 --> 00:04:04,000 over our county this morning. Um, next, um, county clerk, did we have anyone 42 00:04:01,920 --> 00:04:07,120 sign up for public comment? >> Yes, ma'am. 43 00:04:04,959 --> 00:04:11,200 » Okay. Before you come up, I will just remind you that you'll have three 44 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:15,680 minutes to speak. Uh when you approach the podium, please repeat your name and 45 00:04:13,040 --> 00:04:19,160 address for the record. Our first one is Sandra Washington. 46 00:04:38,720 --> 00:04:42,120 Not that tall. 47 00:04:47,040 --> 00:04:56,000 Good morning, commission. Nice to see you again. My name is Sandra Washington 48 00:04:52,240 --> 00:04:59,600 and I reside at 2935 Flowers Drive. Once again, I've sat here in this citizens 49 00:04:57,680 --> 00:05:05,840 hall and listened to the same appeals by Old Courthouse, Inc. Yesterday was a new 50 00:05:02,320 --> 00:05:12,240 twist. We are mostly an allnew board. We will do better. Frankly, I don't believe 51 00:05:09,280 --> 00:05:17,280 them and neither should you. They want that chance to do better, and I think 52 00:05:13,840 --> 00:05:23,600 it's a sincere idea, but their idea of doing better is to continue to give them 53 00:05:19,280 --> 00:05:28,240 more time. two more years of free rent, free utilities, free maintenance. That 54 00:05:26,320 --> 00:05:32,000 is free for them, but not for the taxpayer. They want the taxpayers of 55 00:05:30,880 --> 00:05:38,720 this county to continue to be responsible for their private business 56 00:05:35,680 --> 00:05:43,120 because they need time. 27 years is evidently not enough. What other 57 00:05:41,280 --> 00:05:48,000 nonprofit does the government support like this? They keep talking about the 58 00:05:45,759 --> 00:05:54,080 value of having a museum in this county and that is an undisputed truth. We need 59 00:05:50,800 --> 00:05:58,960 a museum. There's no doubt about that. But the museum or the supporters are the 60 00:05:56,800 --> 00:06:05,120 only ones saying you want to close us down. No, we want you to move. That's 61 00:06:02,720 --> 00:06:09,199 it. A museum is a valuable resource with the potential to transform a town like 62 00:06:07,360 --> 00:06:14,960 the Booth and Telis museums did in Carterville. The DC Museum, however, is 63 00:06:12,639 --> 00:06:19,680 older than both of those, and it has yet to be transformative. Oh, the potential 64 00:06:17,600 --> 00:06:24,240 is there. But as long as the expectation is that the public will bear the 65 00:06:22,160 --> 00:06:28,000 financial burden, and the BOC will bear the blame for any failure, whether the 66 00:06:26,000 --> 00:06:34,240 lease is renewed or not, all the responsibility is on someone else. The 67 00:06:31,039 --> 00:06:38,560 old museum board made all the mistakes. The DCT took away our money. You weren't 68 00:06:37,039 --> 00:06:42,560 born here. You can't tell us how to run our museum. didn't give us enough time. 69 00:06:40,720 --> 00:06:47,039 But the truth is the success or failure of the museum is on Old Courthouse, Inc. 70 00:06:44,960 --> 00:06:52,080 regardless of who's on the board. They've had 90 days. 71 00:06:49,600 --> 00:06:56,319 No, that's not right. They've had over 180 days since the lease was terminated 72 00:06:53,840 --> 00:07:00,960 by this board in October. They've had time to plan, to find a new home, to 73 00:06:58,400 --> 00:07:06,560 find temporary storage, to pack, to seek funding, angel donors, and now they're 74 00:07:03,680 --> 00:07:12,240 down to 10 days. And that's a deliberate choice by this museum board. They're not 75 00:07:10,560 --> 00:07:15,599 investing in an effort to save their museum. They are willing to walk away 76 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:20,240 from it and allow someone else to clean up the mess and cry those crocodile 77 00:07:17,440 --> 00:07:24,560 tears about lost heritage. Let them. This is a 27year-old business with a 78 00:07:22,319 --> 00:07:28,400 board that needs to stand on its own. It needs to be responsible for the history 79 00:07:26,240 --> 00:07:32,560 they display and the history and the action of the board they replaced with 80 00:07:30,160 --> 00:07:37,360 all its mistakes. They took on this burden. They need to clean it up and not 81 00:07:34,800 --> 00:07:42,400 expect the taxpayer to do so. They need consequences. They need to change. 82 00:07:39,520 --> 00:07:45,919 Succeed or fail, that's on them. And I thank you. 83 00:07:44,240 --> 00:07:49,680 » Thank you so much, Miss Washington. >> Thank you, 84 00:07:46,479 --> 00:07:55,000 » Madam Clerk. Do we have anyone else? >> Yes, ma'am. Our next is Susan Buouie. 85 00:07:58,560 --> 00:08:03,840 » Good morning, Susan Buouie. 2935 Flowers Drive here in Douglasville. 86 00:08:03,440 --> 00:08:07,599 » Good morning. >> Good morning, board. Thank you again for 87 00:08:05,440 --> 00:08:11,360 letting me come back and speak. >> I'm here again to express my serious 88 00:08:09,520 --> 00:08:15,120 concerns regarding the upcoming vote on the lease for the nonprofit organization 89 00:08:13,199 --> 00:08:18,960 that has consistently demonstrated non-compliance with tax regulations and 90 00:08:17,759 --> 00:08:23,440 a troubling history of misrepresentation. 91 00:08:20,560 --> 00:08:27,840 As you approach this this decision, I urge you to reflect on the potential 92 00:08:24,960 --> 00:08:32,399 legal liabilities and implications to our community as well as the ethical 93 00:08:29,680 --> 00:08:36,399 considerations of your actions. First, I pose a simple questions to the 94 00:08:34,320 --> 00:08:41,440 commissioners. Why are you willing to vote on anou that you've never seen, a 95 00:08:39,200 --> 00:08:46,080 lease that hasn't been drafted? Do you feel no obligation to all the members of 96 00:08:43,839 --> 00:08:51,040 our community or only to the 20some individuals who are heavily invested in 97 00:08:48,080 --> 00:08:54,720 this endeavor? This is a critical moment for governance and it appears that the 98 00:08:52,880 --> 00:08:59,839 lessons from past indictments have not been heeded. Was that experience simply 99 00:08:57,120 --> 00:09:04,640 practice for the next controversy? Do you need their votes that badly? 100 00:09:02,720 --> 00:09:08,640 Moreover, the community as a whole does not support this project. The fact that 101 00:09:06,640 --> 00:09:13,440 the organization was unable to meet their own GoFundMe goal in over five 102 00:09:11,440 --> 00:09:18,240 months is a clear indication that a lack of commitment and support. 103 00:09:16,160 --> 00:09:22,160 They couldn't even do that when they needed to. They couldn't reach their own 104 00:09:19,920 --> 00:09:26,160 goals. This failure should signal to each commissioner that this is a failed 105 00:09:24,080 --> 00:09:31,120 experiment. It is time to move on and invest in alternatives that have genuine 106 00:09:28,320 --> 00:09:35,920 community backing. Granting a lease to a non-compliant organization not only 107 00:09:33,440 --> 00:09:40,240 undermines your fidiciary duty, but it could also expose us to liability. If 108 00:09:38,240 --> 00:09:45,440 harm arises from the organization's activities or mismanagement of leased 109 00:09:42,399 --> 00:09:49,519 property, you may face negligence claims for failing to conduct proper due 110 00:09:47,200 --> 00:09:53,920 diligence. Your responsibility is to protect the interest of all the 111 00:09:51,120 --> 00:09:58,080 constituents, not just a select few. Additionally, you must consider the 112 00:09:55,360 --> 00:10:01,519 implications of statutory compliance. By moving forward, you clear without a 113 00:10:00,240 --> 00:10:05,360 clear understanding of the lease agreement, you risk breaching laws 114 00:10:03,360 --> 00:10:09,760 governing public property leases, resulting in further legal challenges 115 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:14,240 that could tarnish your reputation and reflect poorly on your governance. 116 00:10:12,320 --> 00:10:18,640 Leasing to an organization with a record of non-compliance also carries financial 117 00:10:16,399 --> 00:10:23,279 risks. The potential for lost tax revenue and legal costs associated with 118 00:10:20,880 --> 00:10:28,720 defending such decisions constrain our budget and resource allocations. It's 119 00:10:25,920 --> 00:10:33,760 imperative that you pri prioritize accountability and transparency in your 120 00:10:31,519 --> 00:10:38,399 governance practices. The state is watching. In conclusion, I urge this 121 00:10:36,640 --> 00:10:43,519 board to reconsider the decision to support this lease. The concerns raised 122 00:10:40,720 --> 00:10:47,680 here along with the community's evident lack of enthusiasm for the project 123 00:10:45,839 --> 00:10:51,600 underscores the need for careful and critical examination of the 124 00:10:49,120 --> 00:10:55,920 implications. It is your duty to ensure that public resources are utilized 125 00:10:53,519 --> 00:10:59,760 effectively and ethically. Please choose to uphold your commitment to the 126 00:10:57,680 --> 00:11:03,360 community by rejecting this lease proposal. And I thank you. 127 00:11:01,839 --> 00:11:08,079 » Thank you so much, Miss Buoie, for coming in sharing your concerns. You 128 00:11:06,959 --> 00:11:12,440 anyone else? >> Our next is Jeremy Germaine. 129 00:11:17,440 --> 00:11:22,640 » Good day, commissioners. if I can approach y'all about something first 130 00:11:20,320 --> 00:11:26,880 before my time starts. It's a liability issue. Uh I came into this courthouse 131 00:11:25,040 --> 00:11:29,920 yesterday uh with a sealed bottle of water and I was told I couldn't bring it 132 00:11:28,079 --> 00:11:33,839 in. I have a medical condition and I was forced to tell what that medical 133 00:11:31,680 --> 00:11:39,600 condition is. That's a violation of the ADA uh compliance and you can be sued 134 00:11:36,640 --> 00:11:44,240 for that. So I would I would you all have little bottles of water. Push that 135 00:11:41,920 --> 00:11:49,200 out there for everybody. We pay for those waters. Okay. So, I should be able 136 00:11:47,279 --> 00:11:52,959 to bring my water in or no, my time didn't start. Restart that. That's just 137 00:11:51,040 --> 00:11:57,240 based on that. So, let's We going to restart. I'll wait. 138 00:11:59,040 --> 00:12:04,079 » Madam Commissioner, please allow her to restart that clock. 139 00:12:01,760 --> 00:12:07,920 » Chairman, can we restart his time? >> Yeah, because it was not Germaine to the 140 00:12:06,160 --> 00:12:10,240 agenda what he was discussing. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. 141 00:12:09,120 --> 00:12:13,440 » Okay. I appreciate it, too. >> Thank you. 142 00:12:12,000 --> 00:12:17,760 » Uh, good morning, commissioners and neighbors. My name is Jeremy Jericho 143 00:12:15,519 --> 00:12:22,959 Germaine and I am a taxpaying citizen of this county. I do not pay $200,000 in 144 00:12:20,480 --> 00:12:27,680 property tax, but I pay my fair share. Operative word there is fair. Due to the 145 00:12:25,519 --> 00:12:31,440 parking situation yesterday, many voices were silenced, including mine, and I 146 00:12:29,360 --> 00:12:35,040 refuse to be silenced today. I want to be clear, the speech I came to give 147 00:12:32,880 --> 00:12:38,320 yesterday was not this. It was much more temperate. But when I got up here and 148 00:12:36,720 --> 00:12:42,880 saw the parade of black people this organization, the 5113C, put on the 149 00:12:40,639 --> 00:12:46,399 screen and shucked around acting as if the community is getting something out 150 00:12:44,079 --> 00:12:50,160 of the deal, it changed everything. They made it a black thing while saying over 151 00:12:48,399 --> 00:12:54,959 and over, "It's not about race." But let's get to it. Have they ever actually 152 00:12:52,320 --> 00:12:58,240 helped any black businesses as a 513C? Have they ever helped your failed 153 00:12:56,639 --> 00:13:01,920 businesses? When I mentioned working with the High Noon Brunchery to create a 154 00:13:00,240 --> 00:13:06,480 a customer buyin from there to the museum, they turned up their noses. 155 00:13:04,000 --> 00:13:11,279 Honor thy neighbor. I know plenty of other 5013c's in this county helping 156 00:13:08,880 --> 00:13:16,959 people every single day. When is the last time this museum, this 5013C has 157 00:13:14,399 --> 00:13:22,079 actually helped someone. Tell me when they have helped someone. 27 years. 158 00:13:20,320 --> 00:13:26,800 Douglas County needs a museum, but absolutely not. Do not be that 5013C 159 00:13:25,040 --> 00:13:30,399 currently running it. I am tired of being smacked in the face by people who 160 00:13:28,320 --> 00:13:34,240 pretend to be inclusive. Now all of a sudden they want to expand their Native 161 00:13:31,920 --> 00:13:38,320 American section. We asked for bylaws for weeks, getting them only at the 162 00:13:36,160 --> 00:13:43,920 January meeting. You still are waiting for things from them. You uh Joe Joe 163 00:13:41,519 --> 00:13:48,639 Hamilton, who's the CFO, proudly saying he's the CFO, uh their their financial 164 00:13:46,639 --> 00:13:53,120 records are still in disarray. You have people threatening to take their piano 165 00:13:50,560 --> 00:13:55,680 and if we don't keep them there. But I say let the piano go. 166 00:13:54,240 --> 00:13:58,000 » Mr. Jeremy, >> no personal attacks. 167 00:13:57,040 --> 00:14:01,199 » Where's the personal one? >> You said Mr. H. 168 00:13:59,199 --> 00:14:04,560 » Is my uh time still going? No. No. Keep reclaim my time. No, keep going. You 169 00:14:02,959 --> 00:14:06,639 reclaim me. Just don't no personal attacks. 170 00:14:05,120 --> 00:14:08,480 » There's nothing personal. That was said yesterday on the record. 171 00:14:08,000 --> 00:14:12,560 » Okay. >> Myself and Amy McCoy put together an 172 00:14:10,639 --> 00:14:15,920 actually inclusive plan. They and they disregarded it. While I was there 173 00:14:14,399 --> 00:14:19,680 helping the museum, we brought in a financial literacy coach who could have 174 00:14:17,920 --> 00:14:23,839 helped the community, specifically the black community. That is now gone. We 175 00:14:21,839 --> 00:14:27,839 brought in a we brought in a genealogy expert that is now gone, too. Real 176 00:14:26,399 --> 00:14:32,000 resources were brought to this museum and they simply refused to adapt. This 177 00:14:29,760 --> 00:14:35,839 smack in the face is not okay. Whose history are y'all defending? Why 178 00:14:34,079 --> 00:14:40,160 do you only have one black person on the museum board when this museum when this 179 00:14:37,839 --> 00:14:44,160 county is predominantly black? Their idea of modern representation was 180 00:14:42,399 --> 00:14:48,160 printing out internet photos of Kanye West and Little NasX. Meanwhile, no 181 00:14:46,320 --> 00:14:51,120 other exhibits ever changed. When I brought up reaching out to Tyler Perry, 182 00:14:49,760 --> 00:14:56,399 they wanted to highlight a dress from media as if that's all he is. There's a 183 00:14:54,160 --> 00:15:00,560 current young black Douglas inventor who has created a way to take PLA plastic 184 00:14:58,480 --> 00:15:04,800 and turn it into diesel fuel who has over 7 million followers that I brought 185 00:15:02,880 --> 00:15:10,000 to that museum to put his invention in there. Nothing. This is an organization 186 00:15:07,440 --> 00:15:14,560 that literally said over their dead body would they allow the factual book the 187 00:15:12,160 --> 00:15:18,399 ghost of Douglas County by author Tracy Rooker Shaw to be allowed inside. But 188 00:15:16,560 --> 00:15:22,160 you say it's not about race. >> Keep going. Keep going. 189 00:15:20,240 --> 00:15:29,040 » Oh, I still have more time. >> 15. Okay, let's see where I want to go. 190 00:15:26,639 --> 00:15:34,160 Well, I I'll go here. I know how hard it is to build an arts institution. Last 191 00:15:31,360 --> 00:15:38,720 month, I spent $5,000 of my own money to renovate Vontoan Studios, my photography 192 00:15:36,639 --> 00:15:42,399 studio. I am not a pro product of nepotism. My mother had to work every 193 00:15:40,720 --> 00:15:47,760 single day of her life. She didn't have the luxury of creating art as a hobby. 194 00:15:44,639 --> 00:15:53,440 We had to create from the heart. >> Thank you. No. No clapping. Okay. Thank 195 00:15:50,079 --> 00:15:58,240 No clapping. No clapping, please. All right, 196 00:15:55,839 --> 00:16:01,880 » we have one more and it's I believe it's Brenda Christian. 197 00:16:16,959 --> 00:16:24,240 » Good morning. My name is Brenda Christian, 4723 Waverly Walk, 198 00:16:21,120 --> 00:16:30,160 Douglasville, Georgia. I moved here in the 1990s. 199 00:16:27,040 --> 00:16:35,199 Um, to me, the building and the contents are one and the same. Uh, the building 200 00:16:32,720 --> 00:16:39,120 is on the National Historic Register, and I remember that it it would have 201 00:16:37,199 --> 00:16:44,959 become a parking lot if it had not been saved by the citizens for the specific 202 00:16:41,279 --> 00:16:49,759 purpose of being the history museum. Not many of us can say we know our 203 00:16:47,440 --> 00:16:55,920 history back to the beginning and this is about history. So the museum is the 204 00:16:53,839 --> 00:17:01,199 history of the founding fathers moving forward. Um present day stuff will 205 00:16:59,120 --> 00:17:05,039 become history and that should be included. 206 00:17:02,720 --> 00:17:11,679 But um so I recently saw a Villa Ricka brochure 207 00:17:08,720 --> 00:17:18,959 at the Rome, Georgia Welcome Center and it uh had a section on Douglasville 208 00:17:16,079 --> 00:17:24,720 and what it listed was the Douglasville County Museum the in Douglasville and 209 00:17:22,559 --> 00:17:30,080 then it had Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs. Those were the only two 210 00:17:27,120 --> 00:17:34,480 items that were listed. If you were to take the art out of the High Art Museum 211 00:17:32,400 --> 00:17:40,799 and move it elsewhere, would it still feel like the High Art Museum? 212 00:17:37,440 --> 00:17:44,640 Um, when I first moved here, everything was downtown Douglasville. The old 213 00:17:43,039 --> 00:17:47,919 courthouse, the sheriff's department, the police department, the coroner's 214 00:17:46,400 --> 00:17:52,960 department, everything was right there. And the coroner's department was in the 215 00:17:49,760 --> 00:17:59,039 building uh that houses the museum. Now, those have all been moved outwards, new 216 00:17:56,400 --> 00:18:04,160 buildings. um they're not all right together again. But um yesterday it was 217 00:18:02,320 --> 00:18:11,280 mentioned that eight entities need to move out of this courthouse and that you 218 00:18:06,559 --> 00:18:17,200 need the old m courthouse um building for space and how is it going to house 219 00:18:14,720 --> 00:18:20,799 eight entities? It seems like somewhere along the line we have to talk about a 220 00:18:18,960 --> 00:18:25,440 new building or a new space for government offices. And I I don't it 221 00:18:23,600 --> 00:18:31,760 just doesn't sound like eight entities are going to be able to move into that. 222 00:18:27,760 --> 00:18:38,080 Um as far as uh the cultural aspect, I I thought that's what the cultural arts 223 00:18:33,039 --> 00:18:44,559 center was for. Um, as far as my taxes, uh, my understanding was the hotel motel 224 00:18:40,960 --> 00:18:49,280 tax was to be used to fund cultural arts and the museum. I don't st I live in 225 00:18:47,360 --> 00:18:53,120 Douglas County. I don't stay in a hotel or a motel. My guests don't stay in a 226 00:18:51,280 --> 00:18:58,880 hotel or motel. So, therefore, I don't feel like I've paid any hotel motel 227 00:18:55,200 --> 00:19:04,240 taxes that fund uh, these facilities that bring in visitors from outside. 228 00:19:02,320 --> 00:19:08,240 Now, if somebody wants to see a Penny Mckenry hydrangea, they have to go to 229 00:19:06,240 --> 00:19:15,200 Atlanta to the botanical garden and see the hydrangeas there instead of the 230 00:19:11,120 --> 00:19:21,919 festival that we used to hold. Um, I think this is still an ongoing topic 231 00:19:17,600 --> 00:19:26,320 because a lot of people weren't aware of this happening until after the vote had 232 00:19:24,559 --> 00:19:31,679 been taken. So, I think it's good to have discussion. I think it's good to 233 00:19:28,080 --> 00:19:35,039 have change. Thank you. Thank you so much, madame clerk. We have 234 00:19:34,080 --> 00:19:38,559 anyone else? >> No, ma'am. That was the last speaker. 235 00:19:36,880 --> 00:19:42,799 » All right. Thank you so much. We're going to move right on uh to our next 236 00:19:40,559 --> 00:19:48,360 topic, which is the agenda adoption. Commissioners, are there any changes 237 00:19:44,160 --> 00:19:48,360 that need to be made to the agenda? 238 00:19:48,640 --> 00:19:53,200 Being none, do we have a motion to approve the agenda? 239 00:19:51,280 --> 00:19:55,120 » So move. >> Second. 240 00:19:53,679 --> 00:19:59,280 » We have a motion in a second. Any discussion? Board, we have a motion and 241 00:19:57,120 --> 00:20:01,919 a second. Please cast your electronic votes. 242 00:20:02,000 --> 00:20:07,760 Motion carries 50. >> Okay. Thank you so much, Madame Clerk. 243 00:20:06,080 --> 00:20:12,320 Um, board of commissioners, let's just be mindful of our three minutes to make 244 00:20:10,080 --> 00:20:17,520 remarks and two minutes to make rebuttals. So, I just ask that we stay 245 00:20:14,799 --> 00:20:21,280 within those u guidelines. Approval of the minutes. Next on the agenda is the 246 00:20:19,280 --> 00:20:25,440 approval of the minutes. You have the minutes of the special call combined 247 00:20:23,280 --> 00:20:31,600 work session and the commission meeting of April 14th, 2026 and the executive 248 00:20:28,640 --> 00:20:35,520 session minutes of April 14th, 2026. Do we have a motion to approve the minutes 249 00:20:33,520 --> 00:20:37,440 as presented? >> So move. 250 00:20:36,320 --> 00:20:39,440 » Do we have a second? >> Second. 251 00:20:37,919 --> 00:20:43,120 » We have a motion and a second. Any discussion, board? We have a motion and 252 00:20:41,440 --> 00:20:46,120 a second. Please prepare to cast your votes. 253 00:20:47,840 --> 00:20:51,799 » Motion carries. 5 254 00:20:52,159 --> 00:20:59,039 » board of commissioners. We have the financial report of uh for the month of 255 00:20:55,919 --> 00:21:04,480 March 2026. Do we have a motion to accept the financial report? 256 00:21:02,880 --> 00:21:06,799 » So moved. >> Second. 257 00:21:04,960 --> 00:21:11,520 » We have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Board. We have a motion and 258 00:21:08,960 --> 00:21:16,360 a second. All please prepare to cast your electronic votes if there's no 259 00:21:13,360 --> 00:21:16,360 discussion. 260 00:21:20,000 --> 00:21:26,960 Motion carries 50. >> Okay. Thank you so much. Clerk, would 261 00:21:24,720 --> 00:21:31,440 you please begin with our proclamations? >> Yes, ma'am. Uh we have five 262 00:21:28,799 --> 00:21:34,880 proclamations this morning. So, we will have each one come up and read their 263 00:21:33,120 --> 00:21:40,400 proclamation and then we'll do pictures after the last proclamation has been 264 00:21:36,799 --> 00:21:46,039 read. Uh the first is proclaiming May as ALS month in Douglas County. Sheila 265 00:21:43,039 --> 00:21:46,039 Watson. 266 00:21:54,720 --> 00:21:59,840 Good morning board. Um >> good morning. 267 00:21:57,760 --> 00:22:03,679 » I will try to read this ALS proclamation. 268 00:22:01,520 --> 00:22:10,320 Whereas amnotrophic lateral scoliosis ALS commonly known as 269 00:22:07,360 --> 00:22:15,840 Lou Garry's disease is a progressive and fatal neuro degenerative disease that 270 00:22:13,120 --> 00:22:20,640 causes the brain to lose its ability to communicate with muscles gradually 271 00:22:17,840 --> 00:22:26,720 impairing a person's ability to walk, talk, eat, and ultimately breathe. And 272 00:22:23,679 --> 00:22:31,919 whereas thousands of new ALS cases are diagnosed each year and it is estimated 273 00:22:29,440 --> 00:22:37,440 that every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS and someone else 274 00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:42,720 passes away from this disease. And whereas the average life expectancy 275 00:22:39,679 --> 00:22:48,559 following an ALS diagnosis is 2 to 5 years. And whereas the causes of ALS 276 00:22:46,000 --> 00:22:54,320 remain unknown and there is currently no cure. And whereas military veterans are 277 00:22:51,679 --> 00:23:00,240 at a higher risk of developing and dying from ALS compared to those without a 278 00:22:57,200 --> 00:23:06,159 history of military service. And whereas access to new therapies, durable medical 279 00:23:03,679 --> 00:23:11,919 equipment, and communication technologies is critically important to 280 00:23:08,960 --> 00:23:16,960 individuals living with ALS. And whereas clinical trials play a vital role in 281 00:23:14,320 --> 00:23:21,360 advancing treatment options, improving quality of life and supporting the 282 00:23:18,880 --> 00:23:26,640 development of assist assistive technologies for those affected. And 283 00:23:24,080 --> 00:23:33,679 whereas the ALS association is the largest philanthropic found funer of ALS 284 00:23:30,559 --> 00:23:40,799 research worldwide having committed more than 154 million to support over 550 285 00:23:38,400 --> 00:23:46,640 research projects across the United States in 18 countries. And whereas the 286 00:23:43,760 --> 00:23:53,520 ALS association remains dedicated to making ALS livable while pursuing a cure 287 00:23:50,320 --> 00:23:58,960 for everyone everywhere. And whereas ALS awareness month provides an opportunity 288 00:23:56,240 --> 00:24:03,840 to raise public awareness, recognize the profound impact of this disease on 289 00:24:01,600 --> 00:24:08,320 individuals and families, and support ongoing efforts to find a cure. Now, 290 00:24:06,640 --> 00:24:14,720 therefore, be it proclaimed that the Douglas County Board of Commissioners 291 00:24:09,919 --> 00:24:21,679 hereby designates May 2026 as amrophic lateral scoliosis ALS awareness month in 292 00:24:19,120 --> 00:24:26,960 Douglas County. And be it further proclaimed that the board encourages all 293 00:24:23,679 --> 00:24:32,559 residents to support ALS research, advocate for increased funding and stand 294 00:24:30,320 --> 00:24:36,679 in solidarity with those affected by this devastating disease. 295 00:24:36,720 --> 00:24:43,360 » Thank you so much, Miss Watson. Certainly uh ALS is very important and 296 00:24:41,200 --> 00:24:48,640 it's just thank you for bringing the awareness to the county and also the 297 00:24:46,080 --> 00:24:53,360 need for us to develop additional research because I heard you said 298 00:24:50,480 --> 00:24:56,960 there's no cure right now. Um and certainly that's something that we will 299 00:24:55,200 --> 00:25:00,080 I'm hoping that the research centers will continue to do here in the United 300 00:24:58,480 --> 00:25:05,279 States to find out what we can do to resolve uh this horrible disease. With 301 00:25:03,679 --> 00:25:08,960 that being said, board of commissioners, you've heard the proclamation. Do we 302 00:25:07,120 --> 00:25:11,360 have a motion to approve? >> So moved. 303 00:25:09,840 --> 00:25:13,600 » Do we have a second? >> Second. 304 00:25:12,000 --> 00:25:15,279 » We have a motion and a second. Any discussion, board? 305 00:25:14,400 --> 00:25:17,919 » Yes, madam chair. >> Okay. 306 00:25:16,480 --> 00:25:22,480 » Vice chair, you have the floor. >> Yeah. I just want to thank uh Miss 307 00:25:19,520 --> 00:25:27,840 Mindy. She's a constituent lives in my district who has ALS and she was unable 308 00:25:25,039 --> 00:25:31,360 to be here with us this morning. Um but I thank her for bringing this to my 309 00:25:29,360 --> 00:25:36,240 attention and my heart goes out to her. Her email was very touching in regards 310 00:25:33,520 --> 00:25:43,760 to how it's affected her life. So I just want to say to all those who have ALS um 311 00:25:41,120 --> 00:25:48,240 continued prayers that we find a cure. >> So I I yield back Madam Chair. 312 00:25:45,440 --> 00:25:53,000 » Okay. Thank you. Any other discussion? Okay. Please prepare to cast your votes. 313 00:25:55,600 --> 00:26:02,720 » Motion carries. 50. >> Okay. Madame clerk. Thank you so much. 314 00:26:01,039 --> 00:26:07,760 And we will take a photograph momentarily. 315 00:26:04,159 --> 00:26:14,360 U the next is proclaiming May 4th, 2026 as International Firefighters Day in 316 00:26:09,919 --> 00:26:14,360 Douglas County, Georgia. Chief Allen, 317 00:26:14,880 --> 00:26:21,600 » good morning, Madam Chair, board of commissioners, vice chair, county 318 00:26:19,120 --> 00:26:27,679 administration. Uh before I begin, I would like to um just recognize just a 319 00:26:24,640 --> 00:26:33,440 small percentage of our bravest that we have here today. um that makes up that 320 00:26:30,480 --> 00:26:37,840 makes up of uh firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, battalion chiefs, captains, 321 00:26:35,919 --> 00:26:43,440 lieutenants, and this is just a small portion of of your Douglas County Fire 322 00:26:41,279 --> 00:26:49,120 and EMS department. Uh also, just to uh just to make you 323 00:26:46,320 --> 00:26:56,080 aware, we are also graduating uh a bunch of recruits uh this weekend. Uh class 324 00:26:52,799 --> 00:27:01,919 number 0925. So, uh just put that on your calendar. 325 00:26:58,640 --> 00:27:08,480 So whereas firefighters and emergency services personnel dedicate their lives 326 00:27:05,039 --> 00:27:14,240 to the protection of life and property, risking their own safety to keep our 327 00:27:11,039 --> 00:27:19,440 community safe. And whereas these professionals demonstrate unwavering 328 00:27:16,960 --> 00:27:26,080 commitment, often under hazardous conditions, and provide crucial selfless 329 00:27:22,960 --> 00:27:31,360 service. And whereas it is appropriate to recognize and honor the memory of 330 00:27:29,279 --> 00:27:36,880 those firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty 331 00:27:34,240 --> 00:27:42,720 as well as those who have been injured or disabled or have been retired from 332 00:27:39,600 --> 00:27:48,960 service. And whereas International Firefighters Day observed annually on 333 00:27:45,520 --> 00:27:54,320 May 4th allows our community to show appreciation for the dedication, 334 00:27:51,919 --> 00:28:00,720 courage, and professionalism of all firefighter personnel and their families 335 00:27:56,480 --> 00:28:07,200 who support them. And whereas in 2026, we encourage citizens to participate in 336 00:28:03,919 --> 00:28:14,240 the sound off by pausing for a moment of silence to honor those 337 00:28:10,320 --> 00:28:19,279 th those lives of the fallen. Now, therefore, we, the Douglas County Board 338 00:28:16,880 --> 00:28:25,200 of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May 4th, 2026 as International Firefighters 339 00:28:22,880 --> 00:28:30,000 Day throughout Douglas County, Georgia. and we encourage the citizens of Douglas 340 00:28:27,279 --> 00:28:34,960 County to express their heartfelt gratitude to our firefighters and 341 00:28:32,240 --> 00:28:42,480 emergency services personnel. So proclaim this fifth day of May uh May 342 00:28:38,799 --> 00:28:48,880 2026, Dr. Ramona Jackson Jones, chairman Henry Mitchell III, District 1, Whitney 343 00:28:45,520 --> 00:28:53,679 Kenner Jones, District 2, Martin Rexton, District 3, and Mark Alcarez, District 344 00:28:51,760 --> 00:28:58,640 4. Thank you so much, Fire Chief Dr. Miles 345 00:28:55,840 --> 00:29:04,799 Allen. Thank you. Certainly, courage and bravery is in the DNA of our 346 00:29:02,159 --> 00:29:09,840 firefighters. That's just a natural DNA. Uh when others run from the the fire, 347 00:29:07,039 --> 00:29:13,200 they run into the fire. So, I would like everyone in this room to stand and 348 00:29:11,679 --> 00:29:19,159 recognize our firefighters. If y'all just come on up. Firefighters, 349 00:29:14,880 --> 00:29:19,159 firefighters, please come up. 350 00:29:20,880 --> 00:29:25,960 Our firefighters, would you please come forward? 351 00:29:27,760 --> 00:29:31,919 » Come up front. Everybody, come on up front. Uh, Madam Chair, if you don't 352 00:29:31,200 --> 00:29:35,840 mind. Um, >> and I got to call a motion. 353 00:29:34,000 --> 00:29:39,520 » Yeah, if you don't mind. My folk are on duty, so if we can go ahead and take 354 00:29:37,760 --> 00:29:43,240 their pictures now so we can rel. >> Okay, sounds great. 355 00:29:43,840 --> 00:29:48,200 » Okay. While you just stand, I need to 356 00:29:52,480 --> 00:29:55,480 Wow. 357 00:29:56,480 --> 00:30:01,600 I got a little ahead of myself. I need to call the motion and then we're going 358 00:29:59,520 --> 00:30:04,320 to I'm going to celebrate you. Okay. And the board of commissioners. Board of 359 00:30:03,200 --> 00:30:06,480 commissioners, you've heard the proclamation. Do we have a motion to 360 00:30:05,840 --> 00:30:07,520 approve? >> So moved. 361 00:30:07,039 --> 00:30:10,320 » Second. >> We have a motion in a second. Any 362 00:30:09,120 --> 00:30:13,840 discussion? Board. >> Yes, ma'am. 363 00:30:11,039 --> 00:30:18,080 » Okay. Public safety chairman, you have the floor. I just want to say to not 364 00:30:16,559 --> 00:30:22,480 just those that are standing in front of us, but to all those who serve our 365 00:30:20,240 --> 00:30:27,600 county day in and day out, put their lives on the line. Thank you for all you 366 00:30:24,880 --> 00:30:30,480 do, and our county is much better because you serve it. I yield back, 367 00:30:30,000 --> 00:30:33,480 Madam Chair. >> Okay. 368 00:30:36,799 --> 00:30:43,880 » Any other discussion? Board, we have a motion in a second. Please prepare to 369 00:30:40,399 --> 00:30:43,880 cast your votes. 370 00:30:46,159 --> 00:30:51,520 Motion carries. 5. >> We have a 50 unanimous vote in the 371 00:30:49,520 --> 00:30:56,559 motion carries to celebrate this amazing day as a proclamation May 4th, 2026 as 372 00:30:54,480 --> 00:31:00,159 International Firefighter Day in Douglas County, Georgia. And we will come down 373 00:30:58,480 --> 00:31:04,080 and take some photographs to allow you all to continue to serve and protect us. 374 00:31:02,320 --> 00:31:07,080 Thank you for every single thing you do, firefighters. 375 00:33:39,279 --> 00:33:45,440 Please. >> Okay. The next um pro proclamation is 376 00:33:43,120 --> 00:33:49,519 proclaiming a countywide commitment to summer reading for students, parents, 377 00:33:47,360 --> 00:33:53,760 and families and the Douglas County community in partnership with the 378 00:33:51,120 --> 00:33:58,480 Douglas County School System. Dr. Trent North, superintendent of Douglas County 379 00:33:55,760 --> 00:34:02,880 School System. Good morning, madame commissioner and 380 00:34:00,240 --> 00:34:06,720 members of the board. I am Kaasha Davis, assistant superintendent of teaching and 381 00:34:04,640 --> 00:34:10,399 learning and share regrets on behalf of Dr. Trent North who could not be with us 382 00:34:08,560 --> 00:34:15,040 today. Okay. Thank you. >> So, our proclamation is a commitment to 383 00:34:12,720 --> 00:34:19,119 summer reading for students, parents, families, and the Douglas County 384 00:34:16,720 --> 00:34:23,040 community. Whereas reading is a foundational skill that promotes 385 00:34:21,040 --> 00:34:27,919 academic achievement, personal development, and lifelong learning. 386 00:34:25,919 --> 00:34:32,960 Whereas maintaining and strengthening literacy skills over the summer months 387 00:34:30,399 --> 00:34:37,200 helps prevent learning loss, commonly known as the summer slide, and ensure 388 00:34:35,040 --> 00:34:42,320 students are prepared for success in the new school year. Whereas fostering a 389 00:34:39,919 --> 00:34:47,520 culture of reading requires a shared commitment from students, parents, 390 00:34:44,960 --> 00:34:52,960 educators, families, and the broader community. Now therefore, be it resolved 391 00:34:50,800 --> 00:34:58,480 that the Douglas County reaffirms its commitment to promoting summer reading 392 00:34:55,440 --> 00:35:04,079 for all students by ensuring access to high quality books, digital resources, 393 00:35:01,200 --> 00:35:08,560 and engaging literacy programs. Be it further resolved that the school system 394 00:35:06,240 --> 00:35:13,839 will collaborate with parents, families, and community organizations, including 395 00:35:10,800 --> 00:35:18,800 libraries, faith-based groups, and local businesses to inspire and support 396 00:35:16,000 --> 00:35:22,400 reading opportunities for every student. Be it further resolved that the school 397 00:35:20,560 --> 00:35:26,720 system encourages students to set personal reading goals, explore a 398 00:35:24,320 --> 00:35:31,040 variety of genres and authors, and engage in conversations that deepen 399 00:35:28,720 --> 00:35:35,760 comprehension and foster a love of reading. Be it further resolved that as 400 00:35:33,680 --> 00:35:41,359 part of this initiative, the Douglas County community, students, educators, 401 00:35:38,880 --> 00:35:46,000 families, and community partners are challenged to collectively read three 402 00:35:43,920 --> 00:35:51,200 million minutes throughout the summer to promote engagement, consistency, and a 403 00:35:48,560 --> 00:35:55,680 shared commitment to literacy. Be it finally resolved that Douglas County 404 00:35:53,200 --> 00:36:01,359 celebrates and recognizes that united effort of students, families, educators, 405 00:35:58,640 --> 00:36:05,920 and community partners in building a brighter future through the power of 406 00:36:03,040 --> 00:36:11,440 literacy. May it be proclaimed and adopted today, May 5th, 2026, by the 407 00:36:08,800 --> 00:36:15,160 Douglas County Commission. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. 408 00:36:17,920 --> 00:36:25,440 Thank you so much for presenting this proclamation. Reading is essential and 409 00:36:22,000 --> 00:36:30,560 foundational uh for us for all of us to thrive and become engaged and 410 00:36:27,920 --> 00:36:36,079 consistently uh do the things that needs to be done to communicate number one 411 00:36:33,839 --> 00:36:41,119 collaborate in everything to make us successful in life. Reading is food for 412 00:36:38,640 --> 00:36:43,520 the soul and you how many minutes you said we got to read? 413 00:36:42,160 --> 00:36:46,160 » Three million minutes. >> All right. I'm I'm going to jump on 414 00:36:44,800 --> 00:36:50,320 board with the students and see what happens. But thank you. That that's 415 00:36:48,079 --> 00:36:54,640 that's significant, but it really enhances those classrooms. My daughter's 416 00:36:52,480 --> 00:36:57,680 an English teacher and she is big on reading books and she believes and so 417 00:36:56,640 --> 00:36:59,760 thank you for being here today. >> Yes, ma'am. Thank you. 418 00:36:58,560 --> 00:37:03,119 » All right. Board of Commissioners, you've heard the proclamation. Do we 419 00:37:01,359 --> 00:37:05,280 have a motion to approve? >> Second. 420 00:37:03,680 --> 00:37:06,640 » We have a motion in a second. Any discussion? 421 00:37:06,000 --> 00:37:09,839 » Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Commissioner Barton Rexton, you 422 00:37:09,040 --> 00:37:12,960 have the floor. >> All right. Um, good morning and thank 423 00:37:11,359 --> 00:37:17,839 you, Dr. Davis for bringing this proclamation to us. Um, being a parent 424 00:37:15,599 --> 00:37:22,560 of two sons that have gone through the Douglas County school system, I know how 425 00:37:20,400 --> 00:37:27,920 important it is to read. >> And reading is truly fundamental. And 426 00:37:25,760 --> 00:37:32,480 even as a lifetime learner, just having the ability to read, reading at a level 427 00:37:29,920 --> 00:37:37,520 for comprehension is critical. And it's going to prepare our workforce for years 428 00:37:34,960 --> 00:37:41,520 to come and decades to come. So, I am fully engaged and embracing with this. 429 00:37:40,240 --> 00:37:44,880 let me know when there's another opportunity to come and read to students 430 00:37:43,040 --> 00:37:46,960 because I really enjoy going to elementary schools and doing that. 431 00:37:46,480 --> 00:37:49,680 » Thank you. >> So again, thank you for this 432 00:37:48,079 --> 00:37:52,400 proclamation and madam chair, I yield the floor back to you. 433 00:37:50,720 --> 00:37:58,160 » Okay. Thank you so much, Commissioner Raxton. Any other remarks? 434 00:37:55,040 --> 00:38:01,280 » Okay. All right. We have a motion and a second on the floor and we've had 435 00:37:59,520 --> 00:38:04,280 discussion. Please prepare to cast your votes. 436 00:38:06,480 --> 00:38:14,160 » Motion carries. 5. We have a 50 unanimous vote and the motion carries. 437 00:38:11,119 --> 00:38:18,160 So, congratulations and thank you for emphasizing the importance of reading. 438 00:38:16,720 --> 00:38:22,000 We're gonna take your photograph. We would like to take a photograph with 439 00:38:19,520 --> 00:38:25,920 you, Dr. Davis. We would like to take a photograph. Are you leaving? 440 00:38:24,000 --> 00:38:30,160 » Oh, okay. Good. Okay. We're going to move on, madam clerk. 441 00:38:27,760 --> 00:38:35,839 » The next proclamation proclaiming the month of May 2026 as older Americans 442 00:38:33,440 --> 00:38:38,839 Month in Douglas County. Dr. Consuela Gilchrist. 443 00:38:42,560 --> 00:38:47,160 The seniors are in the house today. 444 00:38:48,160 --> 00:38:56,000 » Good morning, Madame Chair, Mr. Vice Chair, Board of Commissions, County 445 00:38:52,560 --> 00:39:00,160 Administration. Um, today, as you know, is Older Americans Month. The month of 446 00:38:58,320 --> 00:39:05,119 May is Older Americans Month. And I proudly stand before you this morning to 447 00:39:02,800 --> 00:39:11,359 read the proclamation. But before I begin reading of the proclamation, I 448 00:39:08,800 --> 00:39:18,520 would like to take a moment to honor the incredible older adults who are present 449 00:39:13,920 --> 00:39:18,520 with us today. Will you please stand? 450 00:39:24,160 --> 00:39:27,160 » Wow. 451 00:39:28,400 --> 00:39:38,240 Your lives reflect a legacy of strength, wisdom, and resilience. 452 00:39:35,040 --> 00:39:44,240 You have helped shape our communities, guided generations, and laid the 453 00:39:41,040 --> 00:39:51,280 foundation upon which we continue to build. Your contributions, both seen and 454 00:39:48,320 --> 00:39:56,160 unseen, are deeply valued and appreciated. 455 00:39:53,040 --> 00:40:02,000 As we recognize Older Americans Month, we do so not only in acknowledgment, but 456 00:40:00,079 --> 00:40:09,040 in gratitude. We honor your stories, your sacrifices, 457 00:40:05,680 --> 00:40:16,079 and your enduring impact you continue to make each and every day. So today, we 458 00:40:12,960 --> 00:40:20,119 honor you, we salute you, and we love you. So, thank you. 459 00:40:24,800 --> 00:40:34,480 Also, I would like to ask our senior services staff and our parks and recck 460 00:40:30,880 --> 00:40:37,480 staff to please join me. Hello. 461 00:40:38,000 --> 00:40:48,160 All right. So, I personally would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to 462 00:40:44,960 --> 00:40:54,960 our dedicated staff for their commitment and unwavering support. Your work 463 00:40:51,440 --> 00:41:01,920 ensures that older adults are not only served, but valued and uplifted each and 464 00:40:59,040 --> 00:41:06,560 every day. I'm trying not to cry, but I wanted y'all to come this way, but y'all 465 00:41:03,520 --> 00:41:12,960 going that way. Okay. So, I would like to say thank you to 466 00:41:10,240 --> 00:41:20,880 each and every one of you for what you do. You don't complain. You show up 467 00:41:16,319 --> 00:41:26,319 every day ready to work. And we know some days we all have a plan, but it 468 00:41:24,000 --> 00:41:33,040 don't always work out that way. But you all pivot without um complaint. And you 469 00:41:30,160 --> 00:41:38,640 serve with heart. And our motto is we have heart. And thank you guys so much 470 00:41:35,119 --> 00:41:44,839 for being present, being accounted for, and showing up each and every day with 471 00:41:40,880 --> 00:41:44,839 heart. Thank you. 472 00:41:50,319 --> 00:42:02,400 Now, on to the proclamation. Whereas Douglas County is home to a 473 00:41:58,960 --> 00:42:08,640 vibrant and growing population of older adults who enrich our community through 474 00:42:05,359 --> 00:42:14,480 their wisdom, experience, and continued contributions. And whereas older 475 00:42:11,920 --> 00:42:21,440 Americans Month provides an opportunity to recognize the vital role of older 476 00:42:17,920 --> 00:42:26,160 adults in our county and to reaffirm their commitment, our commitment to 477 00:42:23,920 --> 00:42:34,880 supporting their independence, well-being, and quality of life. And 478 00:42:29,359 --> 00:42:41,839 whereas the 2026 theme, champion your health, encourages older adults and 479 00:42:38,480 --> 00:42:49,040 communities alike to focus on promoting physical, mental, and social well-being 480 00:42:46,000 --> 00:42:55,440 through active lifestyles, access to services, and meaningful engagement. 481 00:42:52,480 --> 00:43:02,640 And whereas Douglas County Senior Services has demonstrated an unwavering 482 00:42:59,119 --> 00:43:09,680 commitment to the health and welfare of older residents by serving over 50,000 483 00:43:06,240 --> 00:43:16,720 meals each year, helping ensure proper nutrition and connection. And whereas 484 00:43:13,839 --> 00:43:21,920 Douglas County Senior Services has enhanced quality of life by providing 485 00:43:19,599 --> 00:43:28,720 over $75,000 in material aid funding that serves as a 486 00:43:25,520 --> 00:43:36,000 vital lifeline for older adults in our community by helping to meet fundamental 487 00:43:32,000 --> 00:43:41,760 needs such as food insecurity, housing support, transportation, 488 00:43:38,640 --> 00:43:46,880 medical supplies, and other essential services that foster stability, hope, 489 00:43:45,040 --> 00:43:54,960 and self-respect. And whereas the safety, dignity, and 490 00:43:51,119 --> 00:44:02,000 health of older adults and at risk older adults are of the utmost importance to 491 00:43:57,839 --> 00:44:07,680 our community. staff and programs have successfully obtained SAGE credentials 492 00:44:05,359 --> 00:44:14,079 to demonstrate a distinguished commitment to excellence in serving, 493 00:44:11,280 --> 00:44:20,079 protecting, and advocating for vulnerable populations in Douglas 494 00:44:16,240 --> 00:44:25,359 County. And whereas staff have worked diligently 495 00:44:21,599 --> 00:44:32,319 to earn certification as certified at risk crime tactic specialists to 496 00:44:28,560 --> 00:44:40,240 demonstrate our obligation to recognize, prevent and respond to crimes, 497 00:44:35,440 --> 00:44:46,800 exploitation, abuse, neglect, and fraud targeting older adults. And whereas 498 00:44:44,000 --> 00:44:53,680 Douglas County seniors continue to thrive creatively and socially with 499 00:44:50,720 --> 00:45:01,520 members earning first place in creative expression during the first ever 500 00:44:56,319 --> 00:45:06,800 statewide line dance showcase. Yes. 501 00:45:04,160 --> 00:45:13,119 Sponsored by the Georgia Association of Senior Centers. And whereas these 502 00:45:10,079 --> 00:45:19,359 accomplishments highlight the necessity of community partnerships, programs, and 503 00:45:16,640 --> 00:45:26,079 intergenerational interactions that empower older adults to lead active and 504 00:45:22,960 --> 00:45:31,280 fulfilling lives through volunteerism, educational opportunities, and 505 00:45:28,000 --> 00:45:38,800 meaningful work. Now therefore, the Douglas County Board of Commissioners do 506 00:45:34,079 --> 00:45:45,200 hereby proclaim the month of May 2026 as Older Americans Month in Douglas County, 507 00:45:42,000 --> 00:45:50,400 Georgia, and urge all residents to recognize the contributions of older 508 00:45:47,520 --> 00:45:57,520 adults, support programs that enhance their welfare, and join in efforts to 509 00:45:53,599 --> 00:46:03,280 champion the health and vitality of our senior community. 510 00:45:59,119 --> 00:46:10,560 So signed, sealed, and proclaimed this sixth day of May 2026 by Dr. Ramona 511 00:46:08,000 --> 00:46:16,319 Jackson Jones, chairman Henry Mitchell the third, District 1, Whitney Kenner 512 00:46:13,359 --> 00:46:26,200 Jones, District 2, Martin Rexen, District 3, Mark Aarez, District 4, and 513 00:46:20,480 --> 00:46:26,200 vice chair. Thank you. Thank you. 514 00:46:34,720 --> 00:46:42,720 Wow, I love the pompoms. Just just a minute of point of privilege 515 00:46:40,720 --> 00:46:47,520 board to allow me just to have a few bragging rights on our seniors. I will 516 00:46:45,760 --> 00:46:54,400 say that Douglas County has the most active, energetic, resilient, and young 517 00:46:51,839 --> 00:46:58,760 at heart seniors in the United States. So give yourself a hand. 518 00:47:01,440 --> 00:47:08,640 With that being said, thank you so much Dr. Gilchrist for reading this wonderful 519 00:47:06,319 --> 00:47:12,560 welldeserved proclamation. And at this time I would like to call uh a motion 520 00:47:11,280 --> 00:47:16,240 board of commissioners. Do we have a motion to approve this proclamation? 521 00:47:15,760 --> 00:47:19,599 » Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any 522 00:47:17,760 --> 00:47:22,800 discussion board? We have a >> Yes, madam chair. 523 00:47:21,359 --> 00:47:25,599 » Vice chair. You have the floor then. I just want you to know you've warm my 524 00:47:24,000 --> 00:47:31,119 heart already this morning >> because we deal with a lot and so just 525 00:47:28,720 --> 00:47:36,000 to have you can feel the love in the room and the excitement and the unity 526 00:47:33,839 --> 00:47:39,839 coming from you and that is a true blessing. I don't think there's been a 527 00:47:37,359 --> 00:47:44,560 time that I've not walked into the Woody Fight Center or the Lithia Springs 528 00:47:41,839 --> 00:47:48,960 Senior Center and not felt the love and hear the laughter 529 00:47:46,079 --> 00:47:56,040 » the laughter of all of you. how you just when you get together, as you can tell, 530 00:47:51,920 --> 00:47:56,040 God bless you guys sometimes. 531 00:47:59,200 --> 00:48:04,960 » But we're excited to have the new senior center about to be open here on Fairburn 532 00:48:04,000 --> 00:48:07,960 Road >> and 533 00:48:09,599 --> 00:48:17,760 then in the works is the senior center for district 4. So, it is coming. Yes. 534 00:48:14,880 --> 00:48:19,760 » But that being said, thank you for being here this morning. I yield back, Madam 535 00:48:19,359 --> 00:48:23,839 Chair. >> Okay. Thank you so much, uh, Vice Chair. 536 00:48:21,680 --> 00:48:27,119 Commissioner Martin Rexton, you have the floor. 537 00:48:24,319 --> 00:48:32,480 » All right. And good morning. Um, it is great to be here. It is great to 538 00:48:29,599 --> 00:48:38,400 recognize this incredible audience and the population that you make up as well 539 00:48:35,280 --> 00:48:44,240 as the staff and the team. Um, Dr. Gil Crest, great job under your leadership 540 00:48:40,960 --> 00:48:47,280 and toutelage. You can just see the love Thank you. 541 00:48:44,640 --> 00:48:52,079 » that the community has for you in the programs that you and your team are 542 00:48:48,880 --> 00:48:58,000 implementing. So, congratulations. Job well done. And I certainly enjoyed the 543 00:48:55,200 --> 00:49:01,760 opportunity of serving as kind of the leader with when we had our senior day 544 00:49:00,079 --> 00:49:06,240 here at the county courthouse last year where we invited our senior sister to 545 00:49:03,359 --> 00:49:10,319 come and learn more about what we do as an operation, as a governance. So, I 546 00:49:08,400 --> 00:49:14,960 love that and would love to help spearhead that again if that becomes 547 00:49:12,319 --> 00:49:19,200 available. Um, but as a proud baby boomer, 548 00:49:17,040 --> 00:49:22,720 you know, it is good to stay active, to be active. Um, I went out and actually 549 00:49:21,280 --> 00:49:29,760 tried to play kickball the other day. I'm still limping, but um, but job well 550 00:49:26,640 --> 00:49:33,359 done and it is great to be here and to just recognize the great work that each 551 00:49:31,440 --> 00:49:35,599 and every one of you have done. Kudos and Madam Chair, I yield the floor back 552 00:49:34,880 --> 00:49:38,640 to you. >> Okay. Thank you so much, uh, 553 00:49:36,880 --> 00:49:40,800 Commissioner Raxton. Any other >> Yeah. Okay. 554 00:49:39,440 --> 00:49:43,599 » Commissioner Mitchell, you have the floor. 555 00:49:41,200 --> 00:49:48,640 » Thank you, Madam Chair. So to the staff, and I mean I must say to the staff and 556 00:49:46,160 --> 00:49:54,000 and Dr. Gil Crest, your leadership with our seniors, you can feel the love and 557 00:49:51,599 --> 00:49:59,440 you'll you notice the love all the time when it comes to the seniors. I need to 558 00:49:56,079 --> 00:50:04,160 work on the line dance side of it. But I I just want to say, you know, 559 00:50:00,640 --> 00:50:08,720 congratulations uh to all of our seniors for the job well done and to our staff 560 00:50:06,640 --> 00:50:13,520 and you Dr. Hillrest with all the up and cominging senior citizen centers being 561 00:50:10,720 --> 00:50:17,760 built and and how great it is. And I think this board, you know, sends a true 562 00:50:15,760 --> 00:50:22,720 message that we are concerned and we want to make sure our seniors are well 563 00:50:20,480 --> 00:50:27,920 taken care of. And I think we send a bold message to our seniors that we love 564 00:50:25,440 --> 00:50:31,839 you, we care about you, and we stand on your shoulders for the future and look 565 00:50:30,079 --> 00:50:38,240 forward to the future. So, thank you for allowing us uh to stand here and sit 566 00:50:34,880 --> 00:50:42,800 here and vote and pass this proclamation on how great and well you guys are doing 567 00:50:40,640 --> 00:50:49,079 as a staff and how you guys are doing as seniors. So, thank you again and job 568 00:50:44,880 --> 00:50:49,079 well done. Thank you again. I yel back. 569 00:50:50,559 --> 00:50:57,200 » All right. Thank you so much, Commissioner Mitchell. As a senior, I 570 00:50:55,280 --> 00:51:02,400 just have to get this out before we go any further. Uh certainly I'm a senior 571 00:50:59,440 --> 00:51:05,440 myself and missed my senior prom in high school. But guess what? They said good 572 00:51:03,920 --> 00:51:10,640 things come to those who wait. So I had a chance to go to the senior prom a year 573 00:51:08,880 --> 00:51:14,400 about a year ago. So we had a great time, didn't we? 574 00:51:12,319 --> 00:51:21,079 » All right. We have a motion and a second on the floor. All in, please cast your 575 00:51:17,119 --> 00:51:21,079 votes, please. 576 00:51:24,160 --> 00:51:32,760 » Motion carries. 50. We have a 50 unanimous vote and the motion carries. 577 00:51:28,240 --> 00:51:32,760 So, let's give ourselves a hand, senior. 578 00:51:35,839 --> 00:51:42,319 » Thank you. And we'll come down momentarily to take photographs. 579 00:51:40,559 --> 00:51:47,200 » Madame clerk, you have the floor. >> Okay. 580 00:51:44,240 --> 00:51:52,640 The next uh proclamation is proclaiming the life and legacy of Mr. John Willis 581 00:51:50,160 --> 00:51:58,599 Stewart. Kristen Moses is going to read that this morning. 582 00:51:55,599 --> 00:51:58,599 Okay, 583 00:51:59,280 --> 00:52:02,680 Dr. Davis. 584 00:52:08,480 --> 00:52:17,040 » Good morning, Madam Chair and board. Thank you again for allowing us to for 585 00:52:13,599 --> 00:52:21,200 this proclamation. Mr. John W. Stewart. Some of you may not know who he is, but 586 00:52:19,440 --> 00:52:26,160 all of us are familiar with Steuart Middle School. And he's the gentleman 587 00:52:23,520 --> 00:52:34,520 that the school was named after. He passed away last week at 102 years old. 588 00:52:30,640 --> 00:52:34,520 And what a blessing. 589 00:52:35,920 --> 00:52:44,280 And I was I was looking for the seniors and as Pogo say, I finally found the 590 00:52:40,319 --> 00:52:44,280 seniors and us is it. 591 00:52:45,520 --> 00:52:52,640 We have a couple parts of a proclamation and we thank you again for honoring Mr. 592 00:52:49,440 --> 00:52:56,880 Stewart. Uh the first one is from the city of Douglasville which for time sake 593 00:52:54,559 --> 00:53:00,960 I won't read it but we'll be presenting them to Miss Hazel Burton is going to 594 00:52:59,280 --> 00:53:05,440 receive them but we have a lot of other people here. Some of Mr. Stewart's 595 00:53:02,880 --> 00:53:09,599 teachers several of his students and all that that are here. And then we have one 596 00:53:07,680 --> 00:53:14,240 from the board of education. Dr. North is not here but Dr. Kayasha Davis will 597 00:53:12,640 --> 00:53:17,359 present that one. then we'll get the one from the county and then hopefully we 598 00:53:15,520 --> 00:53:22,520 can get some pictures and celebrations together again. Thank you, Dr. Davis. 599 00:53:23,119 --> 00:53:29,040 » Hello again. >> Hello, Dr. Davis. You have the floor. 600 00:53:26,800 --> 00:53:34,480 » Whereas the Douglas County school system mourns the passing of John W. Stewart, a 601 00:53:31,920 --> 00:53:40,079 devoted educator and administrator whose legacy continues to shape the Douglas 602 00:53:36,559 --> 00:53:45,200 County community. And whereas Stuart made significant contributions to the 603 00:53:42,400 --> 00:53:50,720 Douglas County SU school system for over 31 years, including a tenure as 604 00:53:48,079 --> 00:53:55,599 assistant superintendent before retiring in 1981. 605 00:53:52,800 --> 00:54:00,160 And whereas throughout his career, Stuart cultivated a great environment 606 00:53:57,839 --> 00:54:05,760 for teaching and learning as a teacher and basketball coach at Hutchinson High 607 00:54:02,800 --> 00:54:10,000 School, and later as principal of RL Cousins School, Douglas County Junior 608 00:54:08,079 --> 00:54:15,440 High School, Douglas County Middle School, and John W. Stewart Middle 609 00:54:12,160 --> 00:54:20,240 School. And whereas Stuart's tireless advocacy for the best interests of 610 00:54:17,680 --> 00:54:24,880 students and his commitment to providing a high quality education inspires 611 00:54:22,720 --> 00:54:30,240 colleagues, administrators, and future educators. And whereas in honor of 612 00:54:27,920 --> 00:54:35,119 Stuart's extraordinary legacy, the Douglas County School System proudly 613 00:54:32,319 --> 00:54:40,079 bears his name at John W. Stewart Middle School, a lasting tribute to his 614 00:54:37,359 --> 00:54:44,400 lifetime of service. Now therefore, the Douglas County Board of Education 615 00:54:42,160 --> 00:54:49,359 expresses its deep condolences and profound gratitude for the life and the 616 00:54:46,559 --> 00:54:56,760 legacy of John W. Stewart proclaimed this first day of May, 2026. 617 00:54:52,720 --> 00:54:56,760 » Thank you so much, Dr. Davis. 618 00:55:03,280 --> 00:55:07,280 » Good morning, Madam Chair, vice chair. >> Good morning, 619 00:55:06,000 --> 00:55:11,680 » Board of Commissioners, and county administration. It is my absolute 620 00:55:09,359 --> 00:55:16,480 pleasure to read the proclamation in honor of the life and legacy of Mr. John 621 00:55:14,319 --> 00:55:23,520 Willis Stewart. Whereas Mr. John Willis Stewart, born 622 00:55:18,960 --> 00:55:31,040 June 25th, 1924, and who passed on April 19th, 2026, lived a remarkable life of 623 00:55:27,359 --> 00:55:36,960 101 years defined by faith, integrity, and dedicated service. And whereas Mr. 624 00:55:34,720 --> 00:55:42,079 Steuart honorably served his country in the United States Army during World War 625 00:55:39,119 --> 00:55:46,800 II, later pursuing higher education at Tuskegee Institute in New York 626 00:55:44,160 --> 00:55:52,640 University, preparing for a lifetime of leadership and impact. And whereas he 627 00:55:50,559 --> 00:55:57,520 devoted more than three decades of service to the Douglas County School 628 00:55:54,480 --> 00:56:02,880 System as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and founding principal of RL 629 00:56:00,480 --> 00:56:08,960 Cousins High School, shaping generations of students through wisdom, discipline, 630 00:56:05,440 --> 00:56:13,359 and compassion. And whereas his legacy of educational excellence was 631 00:56:10,799 --> 00:56:18,240 permanently honored when the former RL Cousins High School was renamed John W. 632 00:56:16,079 --> 00:56:24,480 Stewart Middle School, ensuring his influence continues to inspire future 633 00:56:20,720 --> 00:56:28,880 generations. And whereas Mr. Stewart was a committed civic leader who served on 634 00:56:26,640 --> 00:56:34,400 numerous boards and supported efforts advancing civil rights, education, and 635 00:56:31,920 --> 00:56:40,480 opportunity throughout Douglas County and the state of Georgia. And whereas 636 00:56:37,440 --> 00:56:46,000 alongside his late wife of 72 years, Juanita Elizabeth Ellison Stewart, he 637 00:56:43,440 --> 00:56:51,119 built a life rooted in love, service, and generosity that uplifted family, 638 00:56:48,880 --> 00:56:56,160 friends, students, and the broader community. Now, therefore, be it 639 00:56:54,160 --> 00:57:02,000 proclaimed that the Douglas County Board of Commissioners does hereby honor and 640 00:56:59,040 --> 00:57:07,760 celebrate the life, legacy, and enduring contributions of Mr. John Willis Stewart 641 00:57:05,200 --> 00:57:13,359 and expresses its deepest appreciation for the profound and lasting impact he 642 00:57:10,559 --> 00:57:18,400 leaves on Douglas County. Be it further proclaimed that this board extends its 643 00:57:15,760 --> 00:57:22,559 heartfelt condolences to his family and all who were touched by his 644 00:57:20,000 --> 00:57:29,000 extraordinary life of service. Thank you. I yield the floor, Madam Chair. All 645 00:57:25,040 --> 00:57:29,000 right. Thank you so much. 646 00:57:31,920 --> 00:57:40,640 Thank you so much. Christian certainly uh our deepest condolences are extended 647 00:57:37,760 --> 00:57:46,319 to the family um but certainly want to celebrate the remarkable um 648 00:57:43,280 --> 00:57:51,599 accomplishments and uh attributes that uh Mr. John Willis Stewart had on 649 00:57:49,440 --> 00:57:56,799 Douglas County and starting certainly with uh Steuart Middle School and all 650 00:57:54,240 --> 00:58:02,400 the accomplishments and how he I say he was double talented. He was a principal 651 00:57:59,680 --> 00:58:06,240 and a coach. That speaks volumes about who he was as a person. So again, this 652 00:58:04,960 --> 00:58:10,240 is an honor from the board of commissioners to extend this pro 653 00:58:07,760 --> 00:58:13,359 proclamation and I will call a motion. Board of Commissioners, you've heard the 654 00:58:11,520 --> 00:58:15,520 proclamation. Do we have a motion to approve? 655 00:58:14,079 --> 00:58:18,240 » So moved. Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any 656 00:58:17,200 --> 00:58:20,799 discussion, board? >> Yes, Madam Chair. 657 00:58:19,359 --> 00:58:23,680 » Commissioner Mitchell, you have the floor. 658 00:58:21,359 --> 00:58:29,680 » And I'll be brief. I I I just You must say though that a man of this statue, a 659 00:58:26,720 --> 00:58:37,359 man of this his legacy will continue to live on. Um with just the naming of the 660 00:58:33,200 --> 00:58:44,079 school which was RL Cousin to John W. Stewart Middle School is just an amazing 661 00:58:41,200 --> 00:58:49,119 uh public servant that he he showed upon us and even serving as at one time the 662 00:58:46,480 --> 00:58:54,799 superintendent. But I had the honor of uh having conversations with him and 663 00:58:51,680 --> 00:58:59,359 having to be a part of his life. Now, it it was the latter part of his life, but 664 00:58:57,839 --> 00:59:04,480 it was nice to have that kind of conversation, to be in a meeting, to 665 00:59:01,440 --> 00:59:08,319 hear the the wherewithal that he carried and he brought when he came into the 666 00:59:06,400 --> 00:59:13,440 room, you knew there was somebody of importance in the room. So, I just want 667 00:59:10,640 --> 00:59:18,400 to say to his family, my condolences, but we're here celebrating his legacy, 668 00:59:16,799 --> 00:59:24,240 celebrating all the things that he's done and celebrating for for many of you 669 00:59:21,599 --> 00:59:28,480 and us that have actually was a part of his legacy and actually went to school 670 00:59:26,240 --> 00:59:32,319 and saw and had conversations with him because I know there's many in this room 671 00:59:30,160 --> 00:59:37,440 could probably say, "I attest to have that one moment with him." So, I'm just 672 00:59:34,960 --> 00:59:42,319 touched and glad to be honored to present this proclamation on his behalf 673 00:59:40,000 --> 00:59:47,680 to his family and to wherever that this proclamation will lie. So, again, thank 674 00:59:44,559 --> 00:59:50,799 you and thank you for allowing us to uh do some great honors in his name. So, 675 00:59:49,760 --> 00:59:52,960 thank you again, Madam Chair, and I yield back. 676 00:59:51,520 --> 00:59:57,200 » Okay. Thank you so much, Commissioner Mitchell. With that being said, we have 677 00:59:54,720 --> 01:00:00,640 a Okay, I'm sorry, Vice Chair, you have the floor. 678 00:59:57,760 --> 01:00:06,400 » No, just to be brief, but you will know this if you went to uh John W. Stewart 679 01:00:03,200 --> 01:00:10,280 Middle School to honor him. Once an eagle, always an eagle. 680 01:00:11,200 --> 01:00:18,880 » And I yel back, Madam Chair. >> Okay. Any other remarks, board? 681 01:00:17,040 --> 01:00:22,440 Okay. Please prepare to cast your electronic votes. 682 01:00:25,839 --> 01:00:34,400 » Motion carries. 50. >> We have a 50 unanimous vote and motion 683 01:00:29,440 --> 01:00:39,119 carries to honor Mr. John Willis School. We're going to come down and take 684 01:00:36,319 --> 01:00:45,119 photographs and we will start with our let's see we will start with the reading 685 01:00:42,960 --> 01:00:48,480 for uh Dr. Davis, if you could for the commitment to summer reading for our 686 01:00:46,559 --> 01:00:50,880 students and then we'll follow accordingly. 687 01:19:35,760 --> 01:19:39,640 They had a great time. 688 01:19:42,880 --> 01:19:51,040 All right, board of commissioners, we shall resume our meeting. And certainly, 689 01:19:47,120 --> 01:19:57,120 it was an honor and a distinct uh pleasure to award the proclamations this 690 01:19:54,719 --> 01:20:02,640 welldeserved proclamations this morning. We had five. We're going to move on to 691 01:19:59,920 --> 01:20:06,560 our next item. Um, Madame Clerk, would you begin our agenda items? 692 01:20:04,960 --> 01:20:11,440 » Yes, ma'am. We'll start with our business items. new business. And it is 693 01:20:09,520 --> 01:20:15,120 uh number nine, approval of an intergovernmental agreement with the 694 01:20:13,199 --> 01:20:20,080 city of Douglasville to construct a public multi-use trail that will connect 695 01:20:17,520 --> 01:20:23,679 the Selman Drive Library to the Douglasville Town Green and authorize 696 01:20:22,080 --> 01:20:28,960 the chairman to sign all related documents pending final legal review. 697 01:20:27,360 --> 01:20:32,920 » Okay. Commissioners, do we have a motion? 698 01:20:32,960 --> 01:20:38,800 Madam Chair, I make a motion to approve um the intergovernment agreement with 699 01:20:36,880 --> 01:20:42,400 the city of Douglasville to construct a public multi-use trail that will connect 700 01:20:40,640 --> 01:20:46,080 the Selman Drive Library to the Douglas count Douglasville Town Green and 701 01:20:44,159 --> 01:20:48,159 authorize the chairman to sign all related documents pending final legal 702 01:20:47,760 --> 01:20:51,679 review. >> Okay, second. 703 01:20:49,199 --> 01:20:55,520 » Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion, board? 704 01:20:53,199 --> 01:20:57,440 » I I'll just only add Yes, Madam Chair. Okay, 705 01:20:55,840 --> 01:21:03,840 » I'll just only add I had a discussion with the uh city manager about this 706 01:21:00,800 --> 01:21:07,199 sliver of land that we're going to be it's going to be donated to us by the 707 01:21:05,440 --> 01:21:13,920 way. It is going to be donated to us to complete the trails. So, it'll be the 708 01:21:11,040 --> 01:21:19,440 trail will be from Selman to Town Green, but it'll be owned by the uh Douglas 709 01:21:16,400 --> 01:21:25,360 count owned by Douglas County. And uh the city is still continuing want to use 710 01:21:21,760 --> 01:21:30,159 I think $1.7 million toward the construction 1.5 1.5 million that's 711 01:21:28,400 --> 01:21:34,480 going to be part of the trail. So only thing we're doing is the um 712 01:21:32,800 --> 01:21:38,560 what are we doing Dr. Gres come on up and help me with this. So 713 01:21:37,360 --> 01:21:41,679 but I just want to just make note of that while she's coming to the 714 01:21:39,679 --> 01:21:46,800 forefront. uh that I had some conversation with these guys to make 715 01:21:42,960 --> 01:21:51,280 sure that this is um not any liability or anything of that caliber, but it'll 716 01:21:48,800 --> 01:21:54,239 be pending legal review because we need the the deed and everything else that 717 01:21:52,960 --> 01:21:57,679 needs to be transferred and all that good stuff though. So, Dr. 718 01:21:56,000 --> 01:22:03,440 » Yes. Good morning again. Good morning. The city good morning. the city um have 719 01:22:00,159 --> 01:22:10,000 they've pledged $1.5 million for the construction of the um trail between the 720 01:22:06,719 --> 01:22:13,440 town green, the Selman library and the health department. That's correct. 721 01:22:11,360 --> 01:22:18,480 » The county will be responsible for construction, construction documents and 722 01:22:15,600 --> 01:22:24,159 surveying which is $150,000 and then also maintenance at the end of 723 01:22:20,719 --> 01:22:28,880 the construction process. And I did have conversation with legal just to kind of 724 01:22:25,920 --> 01:22:33,440 make them aware of the conversation. So I think we're okay long as the legal 725 01:22:31,440 --> 01:22:38,000 side of it is completed and long as she's happy on that end. 726 01:22:35,840 --> 01:22:43,679 » There was a question at yesterday's work session. Good morning. Um regarding 727 01:22:41,120 --> 01:22:50,159 liability and whose responsibility will it be once the trail is constructed. And 728 01:22:46,800 --> 01:22:55,280 so um one of the things that um Dr. Gilchrist and Mr. Worthington did and 729 01:22:52,719 --> 01:22:59,920 now um as we hear Commissioner Mitchell has checked with Douglas Town um 730 01:22:57,520 --> 01:23:05,120 Douglasville to see what that looks like. And so it's my understanding that 731 01:23:02,080 --> 01:23:10,159 we will be deed the portion of the trail that we don't own. It is actually not 732 01:23:07,520 --> 01:23:15,199 owned by the city of Douglasville but some developer. That's correct. uh who 733 01:23:11,920 --> 01:23:21,520 is going to be deeding it to the county and we will then be responsible for any 734 01:23:18,880 --> 01:23:24,960 liability maintenance and all of those things thereafter. So it will be our 735 01:23:24,080 --> 01:23:31,679 trail. >> Uh we are awaiting the um quick claim 736 01:23:28,000 --> 01:23:36,800 deed on the portion that we do not own. Um and so hopefully that answers the 737 01:23:34,719 --> 01:23:41,600 question from yesterday. >> Thank you. Outside of that, I appreciate 738 01:23:39,040 --> 01:23:48,280 it and I yield back, Madam Chair. Okay, please. Any other discussion? Please 739 01:23:44,400 --> 01:23:48,280 prepare to cast your votes. 740 01:23:52,080 --> 01:23:57,440 » Motion carries. 50. >> We have a 50 unanimous vote in the 741 01:23:55,600 --> 01:24:02,159 motion carries. Madame clerk. >> Okay. Recommendation of no objection to 742 01:24:00,000 --> 01:24:10,440 the annexation and reszoning petition for 3154 Brightar Road, parcel 0131 743 01:24:07,440 --> 01:24:10,440 0250077 744 01:24:10,800 --> 01:24:18,800 for 67 town homes on 9.3 acres commission district 4 and authorize the 745 01:24:16,880 --> 01:24:22,840 chairman to sign all related documents pending final legal review. 746 01:24:23,120 --> 01:24:29,440 » Okay. any Allison, you have the floor. 747 01:24:28,320 --> 01:24:32,719 » Thank you again. Good morning, Madam Chair. Uh, just briefly, I will not uh 748 01:24:31,199 --> 01:24:36,800 reiterate what I had said yesterday, but I wanted to follow up and let you know 749 01:24:34,719 --> 01:24:39,600 that um I do have uh Bruce Mercer here with Douglas County Department of 750 01:24:38,000 --> 01:24:46,159 Transportation if there are any specific questions about uh our DOT. I did also 751 01:24:43,120 --> 01:24:48,639 uh confer with Attorney Wiggins and uh I believe I don't want to speak for her, 752 01:24:47,360 --> 01:24:53,440 but I believe that we are in agreement that traffic alone um and transportation 753 01:24:50,960 --> 01:24:58,239 concerns uh may not rise to the standard of being able to file a formal objection 754 01:24:55,760 --> 01:25:01,360 um for the uh for the annexation request under statute. Um, but nonetheless, I 755 01:25:00,000 --> 01:25:04,639 wanted to make sure that we could properly address the concerns about 756 01:25:02,960 --> 01:25:07,679 traffic if you wanted to continue that discussion today. Uh, and then further 757 01:25:06,400 --> 01:25:11,520 understand if it is the will of the board to nonetheless move forward um, 758 01:25:09,360 --> 01:25:15,280 with raising a formal objection or if simply a letter outlining concerns uh, 759 01:25:13,760 --> 01:25:19,199 would be sufficient for this application. 760 01:25:16,800 --> 01:25:21,520 » Okay. >> Have any questions board? 761 01:25:20,560 --> 01:25:26,280 » Yes, madam chair. >> Okay. 762 01:25:22,560 --> 01:25:26,280 » I'm looking for Bruce. 763 01:25:28,560 --> 01:25:31,800 Thank you. 764 01:25:39,760 --> 01:25:45,520 » Hey, good morning. Good morning. >> Good morning. 765 01:25:42,719 --> 01:25:49,199 So, as I spoke yesterday, it seems to be, and I've I've been getting this 766 01:25:47,280 --> 01:25:54,800 consistently through a lot of my constituents who live on John West Road 767 01:25:52,000 --> 01:25:58,159 and on Briar with the new warehouses that are being built over there that 768 01:25:56,080 --> 01:26:02,960 that the city has approved and also one that I know that's coming behind the 769 01:26:00,000 --> 01:26:08,080 residents on John West Road. And there's a lot of concerns about the traffic a 770 01:26:05,840 --> 01:26:12,639 whole lot. And especially you get around that five o'clock time frame or six, 771 01:26:10,960 --> 01:26:16,320 it's both either in going toward Veterans Moral Highway or going back 772 01:26:14,239 --> 01:26:21,440 towards Douglas Boulevard. That traffic consistently just backs up. Um I have 773 01:26:19,280 --> 01:26:27,679 real concerns over adding more town homes on that side from, you know, going 774 01:26:24,880 --> 01:26:32,320 down towards Veral Highway. Have you seen a rise or has your department seen 775 01:26:30,000 --> 01:26:37,679 a rise or had any complaints in regards to traffic in that area? 776 01:26:34,880 --> 01:26:43,840 Um I think we're aware of the saturation that happens along Brightar Road. Um a 777 01:26:41,679 --> 01:26:48,000 lot of that is being caused by the city because they've um they've had 778 01:26:45,840 --> 01:26:54,480 construction of some very very large industrial uh area um development there. 779 01:26:52,560 --> 01:27:00,080 I will say that we've been working with the city closely um and a new traffic 780 01:26:57,920 --> 01:27:04,639 signal is to be installed at the intersection of Brightar Road and 781 01:27:01,920 --> 01:27:09,440 Brightar Connector. It's no cost to the county. It's going to be funded by uh 782 01:27:07,280 --> 01:27:13,920 the city through their developers that has created some of these problems. That 783 01:27:12,080 --> 01:27:19,120 will help some of the saturation. That will help uh basically more in uh 784 01:27:16,880 --> 01:27:24,960 creating more gaps when that signal starts um allowing multiple directions 785 01:27:22,719 --> 01:27:30,320 to travel. It creates a little bit more gaps. But yes, we're we're aware that 786 01:27:27,840 --> 01:27:36,639 Brightar Road carries about 10,000 cars a day. seems to be increasing about a 787 01:27:32,800 --> 01:27:42,960 thousand uh cars a year uh is what the our records show. 788 01:27:38,480 --> 01:27:46,560 » Okay. And then also to note that is even though that light's going to be put 789 01:27:44,320 --> 01:27:50,639 there at that connector, it's still the bottlenecks are at Douglas Boulevard and 790 01:27:48,480 --> 01:27:54,080 Vegetable Highway. And I've been getting complaints. Matter of fact, one about 791 01:27:52,400 --> 01:27:59,679 two weeks ago which I sent them to the city was a lady was complaining about at 792 01:27:56,880 --> 01:28:02,639 her business that cars are driving over getting off on Bryar and driving through 793 01:28:01,280 --> 01:28:06,080 the parking lots of the business to go up there to the gas station to try to 794 01:28:04,239 --> 01:28:10,880 make a left. Well, now the gas station owner is also saying, "Well, it's 795 01:28:09,120 --> 01:28:13,840 blocking people from trying to, you know, it's it's unsafe in front of his 796 01:28:12,880 --> 01:28:17,199 business because people are driving through the parking lot and it's backing 797 01:28:15,600 --> 01:28:22,480 up in his parking lot and customers can't get in." So, I I appreciate that. 798 01:28:19,679 --> 01:28:28,000 That was just an input. um that I was I needed to hear. Um but Madam Chair, I I 799 01:28:25,920 --> 01:28:34,639 would still like to make a motion to deny the annexation 800 01:28:30,400 --> 01:28:39,120 uh for this 67 town homes in the 9.3 acres. 801 01:28:37,600 --> 01:28:44,719 » Can I jump in? >> Madam County attorney, you have a floor. 802 01:28:42,080 --> 01:28:50,639 » So I believe the um board of commissioners um based on your agenda 803 01:28:47,120 --> 01:28:56,000 item um is whether or not we're going to object. 804 01:28:54,639 --> 01:29:00,880 And so, >> is that what you're wanting to do is to 805 01:28:57,840 --> 01:29:02,719 object to the annexation and resoning? >> So, if you could just restate your 806 01:29:02,239 --> 01:29:07,520 motion. >> Okay. Madam Chair, I would like to make 807 01:29:04,320 --> 01:29:12,960 a motion to object to the annexation >> of the 9.3 acres for C7 town homes at 808 01:29:10,880 --> 01:29:17,280 3154 Brightar Road. >> Annexation and resoning. 809 01:29:14,639 --> 01:29:19,760 » And annexation and reszoning. >> Okay. 810 01:29:19,120 --> 01:29:25,120 Second. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any 811 01:29:22,080 --> 01:29:31,960 discussion board? Okay, seeing no discussion, please 812 01:29:28,000 --> 01:29:31,960 prepare to cast your votes. 813 01:29:32,880 --> 01:29:36,040 No other. 814 01:29:53,760 --> 01:29:58,880 » Motion carries 50 to deny. >> To 815 01:29:58,239 --> 01:30:02,080 » to object >> to object. 816 01:30:00,159 --> 01:30:06,800 » Yeah. It's just that on the agenda it reads in the reverse 817 01:30:04,560 --> 01:30:11,440 » and so we just need to be sure that everyone here is unanimously for 818 01:30:08,880 --> 01:30:12,560 objecting although the agenda says no objection. 819 01:30:12,239 --> 01:30:18,400 » Yes. >> Okay. Um so with that uh we'll prepare a 820 01:30:15,920 --> 01:30:24,080 letter of objection. Um please understand that um while we don't think 821 01:30:21,199 --> 01:30:28,400 transportation is a basis for objection um we will see where it goes with the 822 01:30:25,679 --> 01:30:34,159 DCA and we we'll report back. >> Okay. Thank you. 823 01:30:30,880 --> 01:30:38,480 Okay. Thank you, Madam Clerk. You have the floor. 824 01:30:34,880 --> 01:30:43,280 » Okay. The next item is consideration of the proposed 2026 merit handbook 825 01:30:41,600 --> 01:30:48,639 revisions as recommended by the personnel review board, which includes 826 01:30:45,760 --> 01:30:52,400 updates to section 13.42 salary reviews and authorize the 827 01:30:50,480 --> 01:30:57,840 chairman to sign all related documents pending final legal review. Danielle. 828 01:30:55,520 --> 01:31:03,520 » Good morning, Madame Chair, Mr. vice chair, commissioners and administration. 829 01:31:01,360 --> 01:31:10,320 So the legal uh guidance that we received yesterday during the work se 830 01:31:05,760 --> 01:31:18,480 section session was to uh parse out each item for the board to 831 01:31:15,199 --> 01:31:24,320 vote on them individually or um make any modifications as um desired. And if 832 01:31:21,600 --> 01:31:29,600 there is a modification or an amendment rather, that would serve as a new 833 01:31:27,920 --> 01:31:33,280 motion. >> So, I'm happy to answer any questions 834 01:31:31,280 --> 01:31:37,760 that you all may have in that regard. >> Okay. Any questions for our managing 835 01:31:35,920 --> 01:31:42,239 director Nichols? >> Okay. 836 01:31:39,920 --> 01:31:44,400 Thank you, Madame Clerk, if you could restate. 837 01:31:43,440 --> 01:31:47,199 » Okay. >> The the one that she just did. 838 01:31:46,080 --> 01:31:52,880 » Yeah. And then we'll >> Okay. Consideration of the proposed 2026 839 01:31:50,800 --> 01:31:56,719 merit handbook revision as recommended by the personnel review board which 840 01:31:54,960 --> 01:32:01,920 includes an update to the following section section 13- 841 01:32:00,239 --> 01:32:07,280 100 wh I'm on the wrong one chairman sorry 842 01:32:04,159 --> 01:32:11,679 consideration of the proposed 2026 merit handbook revisions as recommended by the 843 01:32:09,520 --> 01:32:16,560 personnel review board which includes updates to section 13.42 42 salary 844 01:32:14,719 --> 01:32:19,600 reviews and authorize the chairman to sign all related documents pending final 845 01:32:18,560 --> 01:32:23,520 legal review. >> Okay. Do we have a motion board? 846 01:32:22,000 --> 01:32:32,400 » Madam chair, based on the discussion from yesterday, um I have a motion um to 847 01:32:27,840 --> 01:32:38,719 deny um the um personnel review board update section um 13.42 848 01:32:36,159 --> 01:32:43,360 uh salary reviews. Second. Okay, >> we have a motion and a second. Any 849 01:32:40,639 --> 01:32:49,080 discussion, board? We have a motion and a second. Please 850 01:32:45,199 --> 01:32:49,080 prepare to cast your vote. 851 01:32:56,800 --> 01:33:02,679 » Same thing. It's reversed here. 852 01:33:19,920 --> 01:33:23,920 It's not allowing us to change. >> Okay. I will take a hand vote. 853 01:33:23,520 --> 01:33:29,520 » Yes. >> Okay. Yes. Okay. Go to commissioners. If 854 01:33:26,719 --> 01:33:33,840 you could restate your motion >> to deny the modifications 855 01:33:31,840 --> 01:33:37,679 um as presented by the personnel review board to section 13.42. 42 for salary 856 01:33:36,960 --> 01:33:39,679 reviews. >> Okay. 857 01:33:38,159 --> 01:33:44,800 » And my second still standing. >> Okay. Commissioner Mitchell has a 858 01:33:41,199 --> 01:33:50,679 second. Any discussion board? All in favor of denial, please indicate 859 01:33:46,800 --> 01:33:50,679 by raising right hand. 860 01:33:50,719 --> 01:33:57,719 We have a 50 unanimous vote with no opposition and the motion carries to 861 01:33:54,719 --> 01:33:57,719 deny. 862 01:33:58,000 --> 01:34:04,880 Madame Clerk, >> the next item would be consideration of 863 01:34:01,840 --> 01:34:09,360 the proposed 2026 merit handbook revision as recommended by the personnel 864 01:34:07,040 --> 01:34:15,760 review board, which includes an update to the following section 13-1003A, 865 01:34:13,840 --> 01:34:19,280 types of disciplinary action, and authorize the chairman to sign all 866 01:34:17,360 --> 01:34:25,320 related documents pending final legal review. 867 01:34:20,880 --> 01:34:25,320 » Okay. Do we have a motion board? 868 01:34:27,679 --> 01:34:35,360 Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion that we deny the revision to the 869 01:34:32,719 --> 01:34:43,040 personnel review or excuse me, married handbook section 13- 103A. 870 01:34:40,480 --> 01:34:45,520 » Okay. Do we have a second? >> Second. 871 01:34:43,840 --> 01:34:51,440 » We have a motion and a second. Any discussion board? We have a motion in a 872 01:34:48,960 --> 01:34:56,000 second. Ju just for discussion if if you'll just kind of reiterate what was 873 01:34:54,560 --> 01:35:00,080 state and if we could madam chair throughout each one of these that you'll 874 01:34:57,600 --> 01:35:04,560 get up and restate what not the discussion but kind of what is all which 875 01:35:02,320 --> 01:35:08,480 one we're voting on and why. Okay. >> Absolutely. So um in reference 876 01:35:07,199 --> 01:35:11,280 » and I and I yield back. I'm sorry. >> I'm sorry. 877 01:35:09,600 --> 01:35:15,560 » You have the >> Okay. So section 878 01:35:15,679 --> 01:35:18,679 13-3A 879 01:35:24,560 --> 01:35:32,400 » it was the cap on the 90 days >> is types of disciplinary action 880 01:35:29,040 --> 01:35:40,040 suspension. What was proposed is imposing a 90-day cap 881 01:35:36,719 --> 01:35:40,040 to suspensions 882 01:35:40,719 --> 01:35:50,400 and and what was discussed was um the implications of imposing that 90-day cap 883 01:35:47,920 --> 01:35:56,560 um any limitations associated with it. And what we also and what the board also 884 01:35:53,440 --> 01:36:03,360 asked questions about is um the difference between a suspension that's 885 01:35:59,280 --> 01:36:10,000 related to specifically um a a particular act verse or action versus 886 01:36:08,320 --> 01:36:15,760 suspension related to an investig investigatory 887 01:36:13,600 --> 01:36:18,760 process. Okay. 888 01:36:18,960 --> 01:36:24,760 » All right. Please prepare to cast your votes. 889 01:36:35,360 --> 01:36:43,360 » 50 to deny. >> Okay, we have a 50 unanimous vote in the 890 01:36:39,920 --> 01:36:45,760 motion carries to deny. Madame clerk, okay, 891 01:36:43,679 --> 01:36:50,960 » you have the floor. Consideration of the proposed 2026 merit handbook revision as 892 01:36:49,119 --> 01:36:55,760 recommended by the personnel review board which includes an update to the 893 01:36:53,440 --> 01:36:59,400 following section. Section 13-1003A 894 01:36:59,840 --> 01:37:05,280 types of disciplinary action and authorize the chairman to sign all 895 01:37:03,440 --> 01:37:09,920 related documents pending final legal review. 896 01:37:07,760 --> 01:37:14,239 » I think you just made them. >> I'm just having there's just too many of 897 01:37:11,679 --> 01:37:19,199 these. Consideration of the proposed 2026 merit handbook revision as 898 01:37:16,880 --> 01:37:24,719 recommended by personnel review board which includes an update to the 899 01:37:20,800 --> 01:37:29,280 following section 13-1345 retirement benefits proposed new section 900 01:37:27,440 --> 01:37:33,119 and authorize the chairman to sign all related documents pending final legal 901 01:37:31,199 --> 01:37:37,119 review. >> Okay. Do we have a motion board? Madam 902 01:37:35,440 --> 01:37:44,800 Chair, based on the discussion from yesterday, um I make a motion to deny um 903 01:37:40,800 --> 01:37:49,600 the modification of section 13-134 um section five um which addresses 904 01:37:47,199 --> 01:37:56,000 retirement benefits as a proposed new section um and authorize um finance and 905 01:37:53,520 --> 01:37:57,760 human resources to conduct actuarial studies. 906 01:37:57,280 --> 01:38:01,199 » Okay, >> second. 907 01:37:58,480 --> 01:38:06,719 » Okay, we have a motion and a second. Any discussion? And uh certainly if you you 908 01:38:04,080 --> 01:38:09,760 want to weigh in you can do you. >> Yes. So the discussion yesterday 909 01:38:08,800 --> 01:38:15,840 managing >> um surrounded the financial implications 910 01:38:13,360 --> 01:38:21,760 associated with such change and details around um ensuring that the department's 911 01:38:19,520 --> 01:38:27,520 budget could support I'm sorry I'm on the wrong one. um regarding the amount 912 01:38:24,719 --> 01:38:33,440 that it would cost the county to invest into the retirement plan if the um rules 913 01:38:31,440 --> 01:38:36,800 of retirement were changed. >> Okay. 914 01:38:34,400 --> 01:38:42,400 » And that's all done through ACCG. >> Correct. ACCG would be responsible for 915 01:38:39,600 --> 01:38:47,040 conducting the actuarial study. >> Okay. 916 01:38:44,000 --> 01:38:51,320 All right. Any other discussion board? Please prepare to cast your votes. 917 01:39:18,159 --> 01:39:24,280 Motion passed by vote or deny. >> Okay, 918 01:39:24,320 --> 01:39:32,400 » Madam Clerk, I have the next item. >> Okay. Uh number 14, consideration of the 919 01:39:29,119 --> 01:39:36,080 proposed 2026 merit handbook review revisions as recommended by the 920 01:39:34,320 --> 01:39:40,080 personnel review board, which includes an update to the following section 921 01:39:38,560 --> 01:39:44,000 13-102 emergency relief from duty and authorize 922 01:39:42,560 --> 01:39:47,679 the chairman to sign all related documents pending final legal review. 923 01:39:46,080 --> 01:39:50,000 » Okay. Thank you. Do we have a motion board? 924 01:39:48,400 --> 01:39:56,239 » Yes, madam chair. Based on discussion from yesterday, I make a motion to um 925 01:39:53,280 --> 01:40:03,119 approve um the modifications to section 13102 with a modification um of the 24 926 01:40:00,639 --> 01:40:04,480 hours being changed to 5 days. >> Okay. 927 01:40:03,600 --> 01:40:08,880 » Second. >> We have a motion and a second on the 928 01:40:06,320 --> 01:40:13,520 floor. Any further discussion? I think 929 01:40:09,679 --> 01:40:22,080 » this this particular uh proposed change, the board discussed um 930 01:40:18,000 --> 01:40:30,400 whether it made sense for or if 24 hours was sufficient time to evaluate the the 931 01:40:26,480 --> 01:40:36,080 need to place an employee on emergency uh relief or relieve them from emergency 932 01:40:33,840 --> 01:40:42,560 to relieve them on emergency basis for duty. And the board discussed increasing 933 01:40:39,760 --> 01:40:46,480 that time frame from 24 hours to five days. 934 01:40:44,320 --> 01:40:52,600 » Okay. Any other discussion? Board, please 935 01:40:48,639 --> 01:40:52,600 prepare to cast your votes. 936 01:40:55,600 --> 01:41:02,480 » Motion carries. 50. >> Okay, we have a 50 unanimous vote uh to 937 01:41:00,880 --> 01:41:08,719 approve tab number 14. 938 01:41:05,040 --> 01:41:12,719 Number 15, approval of the proposed 2026 merit handbook revisions as recommended 939 01:41:10,880 --> 01:41:17,920 by the personnel review board, which includes an update to the following 940 01:41:14,480 --> 01:41:24,560 section. Section 13-9B, personnel review board. 941 01:41:21,280 --> 01:41:29,600 » Okay. Do we have a motion? >> Yes, Madame Chair. Uh based on the 942 01:41:27,040 --> 01:41:36,880 discussion from yesterday, I would make a excuse me a motion to approve the PRB 943 01:41:34,560 --> 01:41:43,119 board's recommendation to modify the word um majority to plurality and then 944 01:41:40,639 --> 01:41:48,560 for the Douglas County Board of Commissioners to send back to the PRB 945 01:41:46,000 --> 01:41:53,119 the recommended modification um to that section in how PRB board members are 946 01:41:50,880 --> 01:41:59,119 elected with the recommendation being one member elected by the board of 947 01:41:55,920 --> 01:42:04,800 commissioners, one member elected by the um a plurality of the constitutional 948 01:42:01,520 --> 01:42:06,560 officers and one by a plurality of employees. 949 01:42:05,840 --> 01:42:12,400 » Second. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second on 950 01:42:09,440 --> 01:42:17,040 the floor. Any further elaboration? Managing managing director. 951 01:42:14,159 --> 01:42:21,600 » Yes. So, as an additional overlay to the motion, uh what the board discussed 952 01:42:20,080 --> 01:42:28,000 yesterday is um the need to change the wording 953 01:42:25,600 --> 01:42:33,840 majority to plurality so that we don't have runoffs um based on the the nature 954 01:42:31,119 --> 01:42:40,400 of the the voting process. In addition to that, the motion um or the guidance 955 01:42:37,920 --> 01:42:47,040 that we received from the county attorney is to bifurcate and introduce a 956 01:42:44,000 --> 01:42:54,800 new proposal during the next quarterly meeting before the PRB to define or to 957 01:42:51,920 --> 01:42:59,600 um modify how voting currently occurs in terms of the three positions for the B 958 01:42:56,800 --> 01:43:05,920 the personnel review board. >> Okay. Any further discussion board 959 01:43:03,520 --> 01:43:14,480 please? If Madam Chair, so I'll add is that the plurality language will be 960 01:43:10,800 --> 01:43:20,639 changed upon this vote if it's approved, but the language about the selection of 961 01:43:17,440 --> 01:43:24,880 members of the PRB will go back to the PRB because it's beyond the scope of 962 01:43:22,719 --> 01:43:29,600 what they sent you. And so their quarterly meeting, I believe, is on May 963 01:43:26,880 --> 01:43:36,639 12th. And so we will take that language back to them so that they can review. 964 01:43:33,440 --> 01:43:41,560 Okay. All right. If there's no further discussion, please prepare to cast your 965 01:43:38,560 --> 01:43:41,560 votes. 966 01:43:44,560 --> 01:43:50,320 » Motion carries. 50. >> We have a 50 unanimous vote in the 967 01:43:48,159 --> 01:43:53,679 motion carries. Thank you. >> Thank you, 968 01:43:52,159 --> 01:43:58,239 » Madam Clerk. You have the next one. >> Okay. Number 16, approval of a new 969 01:43:56,159 --> 01:44:01,920 two-year lease with Old Courthouse, Inc. and authorize the chairman to sign all 970 01:44:00,000 --> 01:44:06,600 related documents pending final legal review. 971 01:44:02,800 --> 01:44:06,600 » Okay. Do we have a motion? 972 01:44:07,679 --> 01:44:18,480 » Do we have a motion? >> Madam Chair, I make a motion um to deny 973 01:44:16,080 --> 01:44:22,560 um the approval of a new two-year lease with Old Courthouse, Inc. and auth Well, 974 01:44:20,880 --> 01:44:24,480 I guess to deny. >> Okay. 975 01:44:23,760 --> 01:44:29,600 » Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any 976 01:44:26,639 --> 01:44:34,639 discussion board? We have a motion and a second. All in favor of denial, please 977 01:44:31,840 --> 01:44:39,000 indicate. But do I need to do we need to do a hand vote on this one? Okay. 978 01:44:41,280 --> 01:44:48,560 » Madam Chair, I think that you can do the vote because she'll put it in as denial. 979 01:44:46,320 --> 01:44:51,560 So you can do the electronic. >> Okay. 980 01:44:52,320 --> 01:45:00,159 » Chair, you have the floor. this going back after what was brought 981 01:44:58,000 --> 01:45:06,560 to the board of commissioners yesterday in regards to 982 01:45:02,480 --> 01:45:14,960 some issues with compliance with the old courthouse inc. 983 01:45:10,400 --> 01:45:20,159 Um that is one of the things that we had quite a long discussion about yesterday. 984 01:45:17,760 --> 01:45:25,199 um to understand this. I'm going to say 985 01:45:21,679 --> 01:45:30,639 this is is as I said yesterday, this does not mean that 986 01:45:27,840 --> 01:45:40,000 I do I I've been for the courthouse since day one, but I believe that we 987 01:45:35,760 --> 01:45:43,760 need to put old courthouse ink. It there's just there's some issues with 988 01:45:42,560 --> 01:45:49,119 what was brought to our attention yesterday about old courthouse ink. 989 01:45:47,040 --> 01:45:56,320 We need if we're going to go going forward with our museum, we need a 990 01:45:53,280 --> 01:46:02,000 new board a new board, which they are a portion of a new board, but we need a 991 01:45:58,400 --> 01:46:06,880 whole new board. We need to establish my this is just my thoughts. We need to 992 01:46:03,920 --> 01:46:13,040 establish another company to run to be the 5013C old 993 01:46:10,880 --> 01:46:20,239 courthouse, Inc. There were some some things that was brought to our attention 994 01:46:14,159 --> 01:46:27,119 yesterday that was concerning and um factual and if we decided to go further 995 01:46:24,000 --> 01:46:34,400 with Old Courthouse Inc., the board of commissioners could be held 996 01:46:29,840 --> 01:46:39,360 liable to some of these issues. And so that is my recommendation. That's how I 997 01:46:36,639 --> 01:46:44,000 I feel. I I want the museum. I've never said I don't want the museum. I want the 998 01:46:41,040 --> 01:46:50,400 museum, but we need to do a we need to do a change and we need to become or 999 01:46:47,040 --> 01:46:56,159 have this new 5013C set up. And there needs to be a dialogue with this entire 1000 01:46:53,280 --> 01:47:01,360 board in regards to what we're looking at going forward. And 1001 01:46:59,199 --> 01:47:06,320 we're willing to have that dialogue and to assist to help guide us in the right 1002 01:47:04,719 --> 01:47:09,760 direction because we don't want the museum just to be okay. I want the 1003 01:47:07,760 --> 01:47:15,600 museum to be great. Everybody loves it. We love it. We're here. We're here. I 1004 01:47:13,280 --> 01:47:21,360 I'm not going to say I I I want the museum and my fellow commissioners know 1005 01:47:18,239 --> 01:47:26,560 I want it to stay there, but we've got to make some modifications to how it is. 1006 01:47:24,560 --> 01:47:33,280 And so I'm just that's just my opinion, but I wanted to publicly say it because 1007 01:47:30,719 --> 01:47:37,760 I've been for it from day one. But some of those things were brought to our 1008 01:47:34,400 --> 01:47:43,520 attention. We have we we have a fugitary duty to 1009 01:47:40,239 --> 01:47:48,679 do right. And so um with that I yield back madam chair. 1010 01:47:44,639 --> 01:47:48,679 » Okay. Any other discussion? 1011 01:47:49,760 --> 01:47:57,920 » All right. Those um madam madam county attorney I have a question. Those items 1012 01:47:55,520 --> 01:48:03,360 that were brought for consider uh that was just stated by the vice chair. Is 1013 01:48:00,560 --> 01:48:10,080 there any opportunity or room for that those to be considered conditions 1014 01:48:06,800 --> 01:48:12,239 if this goes you know I'm just asking >> certainly so the motion on the floor is 1015 01:48:11,600 --> 01:48:14,639 to deny the list >> I know I know 1016 01:48:13,360 --> 01:48:20,080 » um so it certainly couldn't be conditions to that motion because 1017 01:48:18,400 --> 01:48:24,520 you would need there would need to be a new motion 1018 01:48:21,520 --> 01:48:24,520 » to 1019 01:48:24,719 --> 01:48:36,639 do something right whether it's some type of conversation some type of um 1020 01:48:32,159 --> 01:48:42,000 commitment from the new organization um to do certain things, whatever it is, 1021 01:48:39,520 --> 01:48:47,119 or if the majority desires to go forward with the lease, right? Understanding the 1022 01:48:44,960 --> 01:48:52,639 um pitfalls that were discussed on yesterday. Um but the conditions that 1023 01:48:50,639 --> 01:48:56,719 were just stated, if that's what we're calling them, they certainly would not 1024 01:48:54,560 --> 01:49:01,440 ride with the current motion. Yeah. would not ride with this one. But 1025 01:48:58,239 --> 01:49:08,320 they're not they're not illegal. Is that I'm asking that those if that were if 1026 01:49:04,239 --> 01:49:12,960 they were conditions, are they illegal? >> And we are talking about name changing. 1027 01:49:11,119 --> 01:49:17,199 Is that illegal? Certainly not. >> That's not an illegal act for them to 1028 01:49:15,840 --> 01:49:20,320 create a new entity. >> Okay. Just want to make sure because you 1029 01:49:18,560 --> 01:49:24,800 got to guide us in here. >> All right. We have a motion on the floor 1030 01:49:22,080 --> 01:49:30,080 to deny. We have the second. So please any other discussion board please 1031 01:49:27,199 --> 01:49:33,560 prepare your uh cast your votes to deny. That's what you 1032 01:49:43,679 --> 01:49:50,000 » chairman we have. >> You got to say 1033 01:49:49,840 --> 01:49:53,000 I'm >> sorry. 1034 01:49:54,639 --> 01:50:03,360 We have a two yes, two no, and one abstain. 1035 01:50:01,360 --> 01:50:09,880 So then the vote doesn't pass. >> Okay. Need to call another motion. 1036 01:50:06,880 --> 01:50:09,880 Okay. 1037 01:50:13,360 --> 01:50:18,239 » All right. So it did not pass. So what we're going to do, 1038 01:50:16,480 --> 01:50:21,679 » Madam County attorney, I do have a point of clarification. 1039 01:50:19,520 --> 01:50:26,880 » Yes, ma'am. If you dis if you participate in the discussion, you 1040 01:50:23,760 --> 01:50:31,760 participate in the exchange of information on the agenda item, 1041 01:50:29,920 --> 01:50:36,320 does not the resolution that we previously passed preclude a 1042 01:50:34,320 --> 01:50:39,119 commissioner from abstaining? >> Please refer me to what resolution 1043 01:50:38,320 --> 01:50:44,560 you're speaking of? >> We passed a resolution last year. I 1044 01:50:43,040 --> 01:50:49,520 don't remember what the resolution number is and the clerk can look it up 1045 01:50:46,639 --> 01:50:54,639 but um that if you if you are going to abstain that you needed to state what 1046 01:50:51,679 --> 01:51:00,000 the basis of your abstension was declare whatever your conflict was and then 1047 01:50:57,119 --> 01:51:04,239 state that then recuse yourself from participating 1048 01:51:01,600 --> 01:51:08,480 at all in the agenda item. >> So you do have a code section on a 1049 01:51:06,800 --> 01:51:13,679 » we did a resolution because the code section was silent as to that issue. So, 1050 01:51:11,119 --> 01:51:17,520 we would need to pull that resolution so we can make sure procedure is followed. 1051 01:51:15,679 --> 01:51:20,960 I will bring your attention to section 7-9. 1052 01:51:19,040 --> 01:51:24,560 All members of the county board of commissioners attending a board of 1053 01:51:22,960 --> 01:51:29,520 commissioners meeting shall vote on each matter placed before it. A member may 1054 01:51:27,199 --> 01:51:34,639 abstain from voting only in the instance of a conflict of interest. 1055 01:51:31,679 --> 01:51:39,679 um an official or appointed official who has an interest that such official or 1056 01:51:36,639 --> 01:51:43,679 appointed official has reason to believe may be affected by such officials or 1057 01:51:41,599 --> 01:51:48,480 appointed officials officials acts or actions or by the official acts or 1058 01:51:45,599 --> 01:51:53,520 actions of the county shall and so this gets us there disclose that interest and 1059 01:51:51,440 --> 01:51:58,320 shall abstain from participating in such official acts or actions affected 1060 01:51:55,599 --> 01:52:02,880 thereby that interest shall be disclosed by such official or appointed official 1061 01:52:00,560 --> 01:52:07,920 pri prior to there being any official act or actions. And so for whatever 1062 01:52:05,360 --> 01:52:11,440 member have um has abstained from this vote, they will certainly need to 1063 01:52:09,440 --> 01:52:15,880 disclose. And so that vote, Madam Chair, will not count. 1064 01:52:12,880 --> 01:52:15,880 » Okay. 1065 01:52:18,719 --> 01:52:20,400 Who >> abain? 1066 01:52:19,760 --> 01:52:22,800 » I did. >> Okay. 1067 01:52:21,520 --> 01:52:27,920 » Okay. My reason for abstaining was 1068 01:52:25,440 --> 01:52:32,480 » well before you before you disclose I think we need to be sure what motion 1069 01:52:29,679 --> 01:52:36,960 because that motion is dead because there was not a disclosure prior to the 1070 01:52:35,280 --> 01:52:42,800 vote. So you need to know what you're voting on before you abstain because we 1071 01:52:40,080 --> 01:52:46,560 we will not be able to go back and use the votes that just happened for the 1072 01:52:45,199 --> 01:52:52,000 purpose of the motion that was on the floor. I would recommend that the motion 1073 01:52:49,119 --> 01:52:58,159 be redone with a second and in the discussion before the vote you can 1074 01:52:54,320 --> 01:53:02,080 disclose your reason for abstension. >> So I need to go first. 1075 01:52:59,599 --> 01:53:04,159 » Do you So that means that Killer Jones need to restate. 1076 01:53:03,360 --> 01:53:09,840 » Okay. >> U Madam Chair, I make a motion to deny 1077 01:53:07,360 --> 01:53:14,080 um approval of a new lease of a new two-year lease with Old Courthouse Inc. 1078 01:53:13,119 --> 01:53:17,440 » Chair, I second. >> Okay. We have a motion and a and a 1079 01:53:15,920 --> 01:53:21,599 second on the floor. Any discussion board? 1080 01:53:19,840 --> 01:53:25,920 Have a motion and a second. Please prepare to cast. 1081 01:53:22,719 --> 01:53:32,800 » Is this where you going to make your >> your disclosure, sir? 1082 01:53:27,280 --> 01:53:38,239 » Yes. So my reason for abstaining is um you know I'm I'm friends with some of 1083 01:53:36,159 --> 01:53:45,679 the board members, the old board members and uh quite close friends and so I 1084 01:53:42,560 --> 01:53:51,280 don't feel that it would be fair for me in regards to what was brought to our 1085 01:53:48,080 --> 01:53:57,520 attention yesterday for me to go forward and either vote to terminate their lease 1086 01:53:53,520 --> 01:54:02,400 or to vote to uh keep their lease. So for that fact and we're talking about 1087 01:53:59,280 --> 01:54:05,280 old courthouse inc anything what becomes of new board 1088 01:54:03,920 --> 01:54:10,480 members talking about old courthouse inc. And so for that reason that's my 1089 01:54:07,520 --> 01:54:15,920 reason for abstaining. I do want to read into the record the 1090 01:54:13,040 --> 01:54:21,520 basis of an interest. You already heard section 7-17-9 1091 01:54:18,800 --> 01:54:26,159 that requires an abstension to only be in those instances where there's a 1092 01:54:23,599 --> 01:54:32,320 conflict of interest. An interest is described as any director I'm sorry any 1093 01:54:29,360 --> 01:54:38,480 director or in any direct this is there's a typo here any direct or 1094 01:54:35,040 --> 01:54:42,800 indirect material benefit held by or acrewing to an official or appointed 1095 01:54:40,719 --> 01:54:47,840 official as a result of a contract or transaction which is or may be the 1096 01:54:45,440 --> 01:54:52,320 subject of an official action or action or with the county unless otherwise 1097 01:54:50,239 --> 01:54:56,960 provided. The term interest does not include any remote interest. For the 1098 01:54:55,119 --> 01:55:00,800 purpose of this chapter, an official or appointed official shall be deemed to 1099 01:54:58,639 --> 01:55:04,960 have an interest in transactions involving any one of the following. It's 1100 01:55:03,199 --> 01:55:08,880 the person or such person's immediate family. Any person with whom a 1101 01:55:06,880 --> 01:55:14,480 contractual relationship either written or applied or implied exists whereby 1102 01:55:12,400 --> 01:55:19,840 such person may receive any payment or other benefit including an agreement for 1103 01:55:16,960 --> 01:55:24,800 employment. Any business in which such person is a director, official employee, 1104 01:55:22,560 --> 01:55:29,800 prospective employee or substantial greater than 10% shareholder. 1105 01:55:33,679 --> 01:55:41,920 All right, you're very clear and explicit. So that means sounds like 1106 01:55:38,560 --> 01:55:45,280 everyone sounds like everyone on this particular board right now at this 1107 01:55:43,599 --> 01:55:47,760 moment needs to cast a vote. >> That is correct. 1108 01:55:46,000 --> 01:55:53,599 » Okay. Thank you. All right, we have a motion and a second 1109 01:55:50,159 --> 01:55:59,040 on the floor to deny. Please cancel your votes. Can I do it again? 1110 01:55:55,920 --> 01:56:03,280 » Okay, every Okay, we have a motion and a second on the floor. We've had 1111 01:56:01,199 --> 01:56:09,520 discussion, we have a motion and a second. All in favor of denial, please 1112 01:56:06,719 --> 01:56:14,080 raise your right hand. All oppose of denial, please raise your 1113 01:56:11,920 --> 01:56:19,280 right hand. We have a 3-2 vote and the motion 1114 01:56:16,239 --> 01:56:22,480 carries for not you know for for denial not to deny. Am I saying that correct? 1115 01:56:21,119 --> 01:56:24,719 » So the motion was for denial. >> Yeah. Right. 1116 01:56:23,040 --> 01:56:28,880 » And three people voted in favor of denial. 1117 01:56:26,400 --> 01:56:31,199 » No. >> Two voted 1118 01:56:30,320 --> 01:56:34,000 » in favor. >> In favor of denial. Motion 1119 01:56:32,719 --> 01:56:35,040 » the motion failed. >> Thank you. 1120 01:56:34,400 --> 01:56:37,119 » Okay. Thank you. >> I'm all 1121 01:56:35,520 --> 01:56:41,679 » I'm sorry. I was reading the resolution. Okay. And I didn't catch the vote. 1122 01:56:38,719 --> 01:56:49,440 » Okay. All right. With that being stated, I do we have a 1123 01:56:44,159 --> 01:56:54,560 motion. Do we have a motion board? Let me certainly be clear. Certainly, I 1124 01:56:51,760 --> 01:56:58,719 did not authorize I need please. I did not authorize this item to go on the 1125 01:56:56,560 --> 01:57:02,480 agenda as the chairman who I have full authority to put it on here. But it's my 1126 01:57:00,880 --> 01:57:07,119 understanding that two commissioners brought this forth. And I'm going to 1127 01:57:04,719 --> 01:57:12,480 have the courage of Ketta Scott King, the heart of Harriet Tubman, the soul of 1128 01:57:09,440 --> 01:57:17,599 Sjourer Truth, and the fierceness of Fanny Liu Hmer this morning to go 1129 01:57:14,800 --> 01:57:25,800 forward. The question is, do we have a motion to approve? And if we I'll call 1130 01:57:20,159 --> 01:57:25,800 the motion. The motion is okay. 1131 01:57:28,239 --> 01:57:38,320 » I would like to make a motion to extend the museum lease for two years through 1132 01:57:33,599 --> 01:57:45,520 May 31st, 2028 with conditions. If approved, this new a new application 1133 01:57:41,840 --> 01:57:55,280 has to be submitted for a new 501c3 under a new name by December 31st, 2026. 1134 01:57:51,119 --> 01:58:02,320 If approved, the newly formed 501c3 will provide the BOC reports and proof of 1135 01:57:58,239 --> 01:58:08,320 filings of tax returns and record of audit reviews and of the review results 1136 01:58:06,080 --> 01:58:15,520 uh during the first BC meeting work session in June 2027. 1137 01:58:12,080 --> 01:58:19,119 Do we have that on the record? Cler uh madam attorney, I want to make sure that 1138 01:58:17,280 --> 01:58:24,880 I just didn't break the law. Tell me. Well, so 1139 01:58:21,599 --> 01:58:28,480 if you want the organization to create a new, you wouldn't extend the current 1140 01:58:26,480 --> 01:58:31,840 lease because the current lease is with the old organization, right? 1141 01:58:30,159 --> 01:58:33,760 » So >> it that wouldn't make sense. 1142 01:58:33,440 --> 01:58:39,199 » Okay. >> Right. Um, 1143 01:58:36,320 --> 01:58:44,719 and then the a new lease would need to then be 1144 01:58:42,320 --> 01:58:49,199 extended to who to whoever the new organization is with whatever terms and 1145 01:58:47,920 --> 01:58:52,880 conditions that you're going to put on there. In addition, as I mentioned to 1146 01:58:51,440 --> 01:58:57,119 you guys yesterday, you need to establish that the old courthouse is 1147 01:58:54,480 --> 01:59:01,440 surplus property and that the museum is for a public benefit so you can get 1148 01:58:59,119 --> 01:59:09,280 around the competitive bidding issue. Thirdly, you will also need to um um 1149 01:59:05,599 --> 01:59:13,119 make the lease a into the fiscal year or calendar year for the purposes of 1150 01:59:10,800 --> 01:59:17,280 Douglas County. That's the same, not a blanket two-year lease because you 1151 01:59:14,639 --> 01:59:24,000 cannot bind subsequent commissioners. And so if that is the will of this board 1152 01:59:20,080 --> 01:59:28,560 is to issue a lease to something because the entity doesn't exist, the new entity 1153 01:59:26,159 --> 01:59:32,880 doesn't exist, then it would seem that the motion to 1154 01:59:30,960 --> 01:59:35,880 extend the current lease would not be appropriate. 1155 01:59:37,440 --> 01:59:42,719 » Okay. Can you guide me in here? >> Right. 1156 01:59:39,679 --> 01:59:50,159 » I don't What's the goal? What's What's the end goal here? Is it the end goal to 1157 01:59:45,679 --> 01:59:55,400 give a new entity a lease? It appears that we don't have a new 1158 01:59:51,760 --> 01:59:55,400 entity right now. 1159 01:59:57,280 --> 02:00:00,880 » It is. >> You might want to ask. 1160 01:59:59,360 --> 02:00:02,239 » Could I just allow them to come up and help me? 1161 02:00:01,520 --> 02:00:07,000 » Certainly. >> Okay. 1162 02:00:04,000 --> 02:00:07,000 » Attorney. 1163 02:00:07,199 --> 02:00:10,840 » No, it does not. 1164 02:00:11,760 --> 02:00:17,920 » Thank you, Madam Chair. That's why I was I was I apologize for trying to 1165 02:00:15,840 --> 02:00:21,679 interrupt my point of order. >> Let me also be clear, Madam Chair. I I'm 1166 02:00:19,920 --> 02:00:24,320 sorry. This is not a presentation, right? 1167 02:00:22,080 --> 02:00:28,880 » If you guys have a question, please ask a question, but this is not an 1168 02:00:25,920 --> 02:00:34,080 opportunity for them to present >> like yesterday. 1169 02:00:30,320 --> 02:00:39,360 » All right. Well, we can Mr. John present. 1170 02:00:35,760 --> 02:00:43,599 » No, no. any what you you have a copy of. We've kind of done what you what you're 1171 02:00:41,280 --> 02:00:47,280 suggesting and we I thought it was going to be part of I thought it was going to 1172 02:00:45,199 --> 02:00:51,280 get changed before we were ask we weren't asking you to vote on the old 1173 02:00:48,639 --> 02:00:56,000 courthouse and that was what we were that's what Mr. John we was up all last 1174 02:00:53,920 --> 02:01:00,960 night and I heard Miss Kenner and all the heard everybody loud and clear and 1175 02:00:58,000 --> 02:01:05,520 we that's no longer existent and Mr. John's here want to tell you that about 1176 02:01:03,119 --> 02:01:08,000 what our organization is sawing and that's what you have a copy of. 1177 02:01:06,639 --> 02:01:12,000 » Madam Chair, if there's a question by the board of commissioners that you guys 1178 02:01:09,520 --> 02:01:14,639 need answered to make an informed vote, let's ask the question and they need to 1179 02:01:13,760 --> 02:01:17,599 answer the question. >> What is the new organization? Can you 1180 02:01:16,239 --> 02:01:21,760 tell me that and then we're going to What is Is there a new organization? 1181 02:01:20,400 --> 02:01:25,599 » Thank you, Madam Chairman. >> Okay, you 1182 02:01:22,480 --> 02:01:29,599 » um I created uh a new >> Can you speak into the microphone, 1183 02:01:27,199 --> 02:01:34,960 please? Um, I created a new entity called DC Museum, Inc., which will be a 1184 02:01:32,880 --> 02:01:39,599 501c3 uh organization. It's a nonprofit 1185 02:01:37,360 --> 02:01:44,239 Georgia Association. It was filed early this morning. Uh, we will be filing for 1186 02:01:42,400 --> 02:01:48,480 a 501c3 approval with the IRS, which will meet 1187 02:01:46,719 --> 02:01:54,159 all the requirements for our charitable organization. Um, and it is it was filed 1188 02:01:52,560 --> 02:01:59,199 this morning. It should be approved within probably two weeks. And once 1189 02:01:56,800 --> 02:02:04,080 that's approved, we file for the IRS exemption. 1190 02:02:01,840 --> 02:02:09,679 And we have three three board members now, four officers. It's a membership 1191 02:02:07,040 --> 02:02:15,040 organization. So that you will come in and you will apply for a membership to 1192 02:02:11,760 --> 02:02:20,719 be a member of the new uh DC Museum, Inc. and has bylaws set up to run the 1193 02:02:18,000 --> 02:02:24,239 organization. >> Thank you. Any questions? Okay, you 1194 02:02:23,599 --> 02:02:29,520 answer. Thank you. >> I read the stuff they said. Okay. Any 1195 02:02:27,599 --> 02:02:31,760 other? Commissioner Kenner Jones, you have the floor. 1196 02:02:30,320 --> 02:02:35,840 » So, I just want to make sure that I'm following correctly. You have filed for 1197 02:02:34,239 --> 02:02:41,119 your articles of incorporation, but you have not been approved as a 501c3 by the 1198 02:02:39,119 --> 02:02:45,840 state of Georgia or registered with the IRS. You're waiting for those approvals. 1199 02:02:43,760 --> 02:02:51,760 » Okay. The state filing has been made. 1200 02:02:48,639 --> 02:02:56,400 » Uh, uh, the state of Georgia takes about 10 days to two weeks to actually approve 1201 02:02:54,080 --> 02:03:01,199 it. But once it's it's approved, it relates back to the day of filing which 1202 02:02:58,080 --> 02:03:05,280 was this morning early. Now the 501c3 I cannot file until I have the formal 1203 02:03:03,360 --> 02:03:10,560 approval by the state of Georgia. So that's that delay. 1204 02:03:07,040 --> 02:03:15,920 » So then madame county attorney at this point because there's not an approval. 1205 02:03:12,960 --> 02:03:20,880 There is not actually a new entity or a new certified and approved nonprofit 1206 02:03:18,639 --> 02:03:24,639 with the state of Georgia for us to sign a lease with. Is that correct? 1207 02:03:22,719 --> 02:03:27,520 » That is correct. The entity has not been formed. There has been filings but it 1208 02:03:26,400 --> 02:03:34,639 hasn't been formed. >> Correct. And then am I also correct 1209 02:03:30,320 --> 02:03:40,080 under OCGA 36101 for us as a board of commissioners to 1210 02:03:37,040 --> 02:03:43,599 approve any contract and just to make sure that I'm not incorrect. A lease is 1211 02:03:42,239 --> 02:03:50,800 a contract. Is that correct? >> That is correct. And we cannot issue a 1212 02:03:47,520 --> 02:03:56,000 contract that has not been reduced to writing with all of the provisions, 1213 02:03:53,920 --> 02:04:01,760 terms and conditions um laid out in accordance with the law 1214 02:03:58,880 --> 02:04:07,199 and then posted I believe it's a seven days to the um public so that it can be 1215 02:04:05,360 --> 02:04:10,960 made a part of the record and then we can vote on that. Otherwise, we are not 1216 02:04:09,280 --> 02:04:13,199 in compliance with the statute. Is that correct? 1217 02:04:11,760 --> 02:04:16,199 » I don't know yet. I'm going to read the statute 1218 02:04:17,520 --> 02:04:26,280 » and I apologize in advance. I may have the days the number of days wrong, but 1219 02:04:21,360 --> 02:04:26,280 I'm positive it has to be in writing 1220 02:04:35,920 --> 02:04:40,679 3610. >> I think it's 36101. 1221 02:04:41,760 --> 02:04:47,080 That's for public works contract. Sorry. 1222 02:04:47,679 --> 02:04:51,719 » I do not think that applies. 1223 02:05:00,080 --> 02:05:05,520 Now 366013 does apply. 1224 02:05:04,880 --> 02:05:06,880 What is that? >> Could you read it? 1225 02:05:06,239 --> 02:05:09,880 » Yes, sir. >> Please. 1226 02:05:15,280 --> 02:05:20,719 Each county or municipality in this state shall be authorized to enter into 1227 02:05:19,119 --> 02:05:25,119 multi-year lease purchase or lease purchase contracts of all kinds for the 1228 02:05:23,360 --> 02:05:29,840 acquisition of goods, materials, real and personal property, services, and 1229 02:05:26,880 --> 02:05:34,480 supplies provided that any such contract shall contain 1230 02:05:31,840 --> 02:05:39,360 provisions for the following. One, the contract shall terminate absolutely and 1231 02:05:37,440 --> 02:05:43,760 without further obligation on the part of the county at the close of the 1232 02:05:41,520 --> 02:05:48,159 calendar or fiscal year in which it was executed and at the close of each 1233 02:05:46,239 --> 02:05:51,760 succeeding calendar or fiscal year for which it may be renewed as provided in 1234 02:05:49,760 --> 02:05:56,320 this code section, which is why I said two years is not okay. Number two, the 1235 02:05:54,400 --> 02:06:01,119 contract may provide for automatic renewal unless positive action is taken 1236 02:05:58,480 --> 02:06:05,280 by the county to terminate such contract and the nature of such action shall be 1237 02:06:02,960 --> 02:06:09,360 determined by the county and specified in the contract. Number three, the 1238 02:06:07,599 --> 02:06:13,440 contract shall state the total obligation of the county for the 1239 02:06:11,440 --> 02:06:17,679 calendar or fiscal year of execution and shall further state the total obligation 1240 02:06:15,760 --> 02:06:22,800 which will be incurred in each calendar or fiscal year renewal term if renewed. 1241 02:06:20,639 --> 02:06:26,960 And for the contract shall provide that the title to any supplies, materials, 1242 02:06:25,040 --> 02:06:33,520 equipment, or other personal property shall remain in the vendor until fully 1243 02:06:29,520 --> 02:06:38,239 paid by the county or m municipality. Uh that doesn't apply because this would be 1244 02:06:35,040 --> 02:06:44,000 a lease. Um then B is in addition to the provisions enumerated in section A, any 1245 02:06:41,360 --> 02:06:49,040 contract authorized by the code section may. So the first four that I read are 1246 02:06:46,560 --> 02:06:53,679 shalls. It's not negotiable. The following ones are made. A provision 1247 02:06:52,000 --> 02:06:58,239 which requires that the contract will terminate immediately and absolutely at 1248 02:06:55,599 --> 02:07:02,480 such time as appropriated and otherwise unobligated funds are no longer 1249 02:07:00,400 --> 02:07:07,840 available to satisfy the obligations of the county under the contract or any 1250 02:07:05,599 --> 02:07:14,679 other provision reasonably necessary to protect the interests of the county. 1251 02:07:11,679 --> 02:07:14,679 Um, 1252 02:07:15,520 --> 02:07:21,880 okay. I just want to make sure there's nothing else in here that is applicable. 1253 02:07:26,079 --> 02:07:33,760 I will add that there is additional case law um that wouldn't be in the code 1254 02:07:29,920 --> 02:07:38,719 section um that will require as I stated the public interest benefit that will 1255 02:07:35,520 --> 02:07:45,760 require the surplus properties um language that I just mentioned. 1256 02:07:42,079 --> 02:07:51,840 And I do apologize also, madam um county attorney. Um but from an open an open 1257 02:07:49,520 --> 02:07:55,920 meetings act perspective, that's where I was getting the the notice. What is the 1258 02:07:53,920 --> 02:07:58,480 notice requirement to the public of a contract that the board of commissioners 1259 02:07:57,440 --> 02:08:03,360 is considering? >> So I'm I don't see that in this in the 1260 02:08:02,000 --> 02:08:05,760 contract requirements. Where are you reading that from? 1261 02:08:04,000 --> 02:08:09,440 » No, no, I'm asking in the open meetings act, not in the contract. 1262 02:08:07,280 --> 02:08:16,000 » Oh, no. The Open Meetings Act does not require there to be I'll go to Title 50, 1263 02:08:12,480 --> 02:08:21,520 but it does not require there to be any public advertising. 1264 02:08:18,239 --> 02:08:26,719 Um, I will say though, regardless of what 1265 02:08:23,599 --> 02:08:32,719 in the absence of that language, I don't think that 1266 02:08:28,960 --> 02:08:40,800 um there's sufficient information at this time to issue a 1267 02:08:37,440 --> 02:08:47,440 lease, a contract um to the individuals um because we need some terms, some the 1268 02:08:44,560 --> 02:08:54,480 conditions that Madame Chair read um to reduce it to writing. Um, I'm going to 1269 02:08:50,480 --> 02:08:58,199 the Open Meetings Act and that's in 50-14-1. 1270 02:09:25,040 --> 02:09:28,520 Bear with us. 1271 02:09:36,400 --> 02:09:43,280 I do not see that to be a requirement under um the open meetings act. 1272 02:09:52,880 --> 02:10:01,560 Now, if you're talking about advertising the agenda, is that what you're trying 1273 02:09:58,320 --> 02:10:01,560 to get at? 1274 02:10:04,480 --> 02:10:10,719 » I'm sorry, madam county attorney. What was the last question? If you were 1275 02:10:08,639 --> 02:10:12,639 talking about notice to the public of the agenda item. 1276 02:10:12,159 --> 02:10:18,960 » Yes. >> Okay. So that is the agenda items have 1277 02:10:16,960 --> 02:10:23,280 to be available to the public as soon as they're available. 1278 02:10:20,400 --> 02:10:29,520 » Um that's D1. 1279 02:10:26,800 --> 02:10:33,199 Such information I'm sorry. Every agency subject to this chapter shall prescribe 1280 02:10:31,599 --> 02:10:37,119 the time, place, and dates of regular meetings. Such information shall be 1281 02:10:35,199 --> 02:10:42,719 available to the general public and a notice containing such information shall 1282 02:10:39,679 --> 02:10:47,760 be posted at least one week in advance and maintained in in a conspicuous place 1283 02:10:45,520 --> 02:10:51,920 available to the public at the regular meeting of any agency or committee. 1284 02:10:50,320 --> 02:10:57,679 Meetings shall be held in according with the regular schedule but nothing in this 1285 02:10:54,560 --> 02:11:02,480 subsection shall preclude an agency from cancelling or postponing any regular 1286 02:10:59,679 --> 02:11:04,800 scheduled meeting. Um, so that's where you getting you're getting the week 1287 02:11:04,159 --> 02:11:07,800 from. >> Gotcha. 1288 02:11:17,760 --> 02:11:24,079 Prior to any meeting, I'm sorry, this is E1. 1289 02:11:22,159 --> 02:11:28,560 The agency shall make available an agenda of all matters expected to come 1290 02:11:26,320 --> 02:11:32,560 before the agency or committee at such meeting. The agenda shall be available 1291 02:11:30,639 --> 02:11:37,520 on request and shall be posted at the meeting site as far in advance of the 1292 02:11:35,199 --> 02:11:41,119 meeting as reasonably possible, but shall not be required to be available 1293 02:11:39,119 --> 02:11:44,560 more than two weeks prior to the meeting and so be posted at a minimum at some 1294 02:11:43,119 --> 02:11:49,040 time during the two-eek period immediately prior to the meeting. 1295 02:11:46,560 --> 02:11:52,560 Failure to include on the agenda an item which becomes necessary to address 1296 02:11:51,040 --> 02:11:57,679 during the course of the meeting shall not preclude considering and acting upon 1297 02:11:55,599 --> 02:12:01,719 such item. And that's for regular meetings, not special called. 1298 02:12:02,960 --> 02:12:09,760 » Okay. So, can you 1299 02:12:07,199 --> 02:12:14,480 » put it in languish terms? I'm sitting here. 1300 02:12:11,280 --> 02:12:20,159 um to answer uh Commissioner Ker Jones's question was that the 1301 02:12:17,119 --> 02:12:28,159 ability for you guys to consider a new item um regarding a lease um is not 1302 02:12:24,639 --> 02:12:32,719 precluded from being discussed. >> I guess let me let me rec clarify my 1303 02:12:30,960 --> 02:12:40,320 question. is a pres as a is an agenda item listed 1304 02:12:36,400 --> 02:12:46,480 as a presentation for update sufficient notice to the public that we are going 1305 02:12:43,360 --> 02:12:52,719 to be discussing a potential 2-year lease to Old Courthouse Inc. and then 1306 02:12:49,520 --> 02:12:57,040 that discussion shift to the provision of a lease with an entity that does not 1307 02:12:55,520 --> 02:13:05,520 exist >> um alone. No, but there was much 1308 02:13:01,280 --> 02:13:11,840 discussion um about it on yesterday. Um and the agenda item on today 1309 02:13:09,520 --> 02:13:16,000 um I think gives enough notice to the public that there is going to be a 1310 02:13:13,920 --> 02:13:20,079 discussion about a lease regarding the museum. It obviously doesn't say DC 1311 02:13:18,560 --> 02:13:26,159 Museum um which is the the new name. Um but I 1312 02:13:24,400 --> 02:13:31,840 think there has been enough discussion around this item um to put the public on 1313 02:13:29,840 --> 02:13:36,840 notice that there is going to be a discussion about leasing the old 1314 02:13:33,840 --> 02:13:36,840 courthouse 1315 02:13:38,639 --> 02:13:44,119 » and has a a lease been drafted? >> It has not. 1316 02:13:45,760 --> 02:13:54,560 not by me. They they drafted something. Um I wouldn't regard it as a lease. It 1317 02:13:51,599 --> 02:14:03,000 is purely purely a draft. It's incomplete. Um and it would not pass my 1318 02:13:59,520 --> 02:14:03,000 cleared test. 1319 02:14:05,280 --> 02:14:12,000 » Okay. Being that nothing has been drafted, 1320 02:14:10,079 --> 02:14:16,719 certainly I know it would take your intervention. Is there an opportunity 1321 02:14:14,480 --> 02:14:17,679 for a motion to be called to and I'm just 1322 02:14:17,280 --> 02:14:24,000 » Yes, ma'am. >> I need you to guide me in here for for 1323 02:14:21,119 --> 02:14:27,920 um extension on the deadline that's already in place to allow the things 1324 02:14:26,000 --> 02:14:31,679 that we just talked about to go forward. I don't I don't 1325 02:14:29,280 --> 02:14:34,639 » And are you speaking of the deadline for um them to 1326 02:14:33,280 --> 02:14:36,960 » the current lease? >> For the current lease. 1327 02:14:35,599 --> 02:14:40,960 » Yeah. I don't know how >> so I would need the clerk to pull up 1328 02:14:38,719 --> 02:14:46,880 what that motion was the last time this has been addressed. I don't 1329 02:14:44,560 --> 02:14:50,480 » I believe the motion passed. >> I got an idea 1330 02:14:47,840 --> 02:14:56,560 » to terminate the lease with a 1331 02:14:53,920 --> 02:15:00,960 date of something. So, we'll find out what that something is. 1332 02:14:58,800 --> 02:15:05,119 » Vice Chair, you have the floor. >> Madam County Attorney, can I ask a 1333 02:15:02,800 --> 02:15:11,679 question? Would it be possible to go ahead and 1334 02:15:08,400 --> 02:15:14,000 approve to terminate the old courthouse, Inc. lease? 1335 02:15:12,800 --> 02:15:20,239 » It's already been done. >> Yep. But to not evict 1336 02:15:18,719 --> 02:15:26,400 from the premises so they don't have to remove all those items for one month to 1337 02:15:24,159 --> 02:15:34,800 reconsider DC Museum, Inc. 1338 02:15:30,639 --> 02:15:41,760 to come back to us and consider a lease from DC Museum, Inc. 1339 02:15:38,320 --> 02:15:45,920 upon they got to meet all the criterias. They got to come in compliance. 1340 02:15:44,480 --> 02:15:52,800 All right. So, let me restate to make sure I understand. You're wanting to 1341 02:15:48,480 --> 02:15:57,599 make a motion to extend the eviction date, right, of 1342 02:15:54,560 --> 02:16:03,679 » Yes. the current tenants, Old Courthouse, Inc. 1343 02:16:01,040 --> 02:16:10,480 for an additional 30 days while the board considers a new lease with DC 1344 02:16:08,079 --> 02:16:14,679 Museum, Inc. Is that what you're asking? >> Yes, ma'am. 1345 02:16:11,119 --> 02:16:14,679 » Okay. One second. 1346 02:16:22,960 --> 02:16:27,760 Vice Chair, I >> I yield back, Madam Chair. 1347 02:16:25,199 --> 02:16:34,160 » Okay. And I know you yield back, but uh you said 30 days. Is that enough time 1348 02:16:30,960 --> 02:16:38,080 for you know, I'm just being fair to all at the table? 1349 02:16:34,960 --> 02:16:40,880 » I've never opened up a 5013C. >> I could not tell you. 1350 02:16:39,359 --> 02:16:43,280 » May I address that issue? >> May, sir. 1351 02:16:41,599 --> 02:16:49,359 » May I ask you that question? How long would it take DC Museum, Inc. to come 1352 02:16:45,840 --> 02:16:53,439 into compliance with everything a 5013C needs. 1353 02:16:50,800 --> 02:16:59,840 » Oh, 501. Yeah. >> Okay. The state filing will be back 1354 02:16:56,080 --> 02:17:08,559 within two weeks. The 501c3 application with the IRS is will be 60 to 90 days 1355 02:17:04,000 --> 02:17:14,479 minimum. Uh it's an online filing. Uh it's pretty summary. I track down the 1356 02:17:11,760 --> 02:17:17,920 IRS code exactly so they really don't have a whole lot to argue about. It's 1357 02:17:15,920 --> 02:17:23,439 just timing with the IRS and I can't guarantee a timeline, but they say 60 to 1358 02:17:20,719 --> 02:17:30,080 90 days and we can ask for exped have it expedited, but all that does is just 1359 02:17:26,000 --> 02:17:35,559 kind of kick it up maybe a week or two. We're at the mercy of the IRS. 1360 02:17:32,559 --> 02:17:35,559 » Yes. 1361 02:17:37,760 --> 02:17:41,120 » They do they don't 1362 02:17:53,920 --> 02:17:56,639 Madam County attorney, are you researching something? 1363 02:17:56,240 --> 02:18:02,040 » Yes. >> Okay. I'm not. Okay. 1364 02:17:59,040 --> 02:18:02,040 » Okay. 1365 02:18:34,719 --> 02:18:37,719 January. 1366 02:18:50,880 --> 02:18:54,240 » Sir, what is your name again? I just want to make sure we have your name for 1367 02:18:53,599 --> 02:18:56,639 the record. >> It's Philip John's. 1368 02:18:55,840 --> 02:19:00,319 » Philip Johns >> with the one, please. 1369 02:18:58,000 --> 02:19:03,760 » Do you have Jessica? You all have his name. Mr. Philip Johns. Okay. What was 1370 02:19:02,240 --> 02:19:07,960 your name? >> Phil Phillip John's. 1371 02:19:11,920 --> 02:19:16,120 » Just give us a minute. 1372 02:20:08,880 --> 02:20:14,040 So on February 3rd 1373 02:20:16,960 --> 02:20:26,479 » of this year, the BOC passed a resolution to um terminate the lease and 1374 02:20:22,960 --> 02:20:29,359 Um, this was resolution it 1375 02:20:27,280 --> 02:20:34,160 » I don't know if it matters 26069. 1376 02:20:30,960 --> 02:20:38,160 That resolution rescended resolution 25-380 1377 02:20:35,680 --> 02:20:44,399 where you guys had approved for there to be a vacate December 31st, 2025, but you 1378 02:20:42,000 --> 02:20:50,080 came back in January uh because that notice was never provided. You came back 1379 02:20:46,399 --> 02:20:54,640 in January to issue a new lease to Old Courthouse, Inc. 1380 02:20:52,080 --> 02:21:00,640 um and refer the matter to the community service committee who um 1381 02:20:58,880 --> 02:21:08,240 provided a recommendation back to this BOC that they should be given um notice 1382 02:21:04,560 --> 02:21:10,880 to vacate effective >> May 15th. 1383 02:21:08,880 --> 02:21:17,840 » May 15th. Thank you. >> Um and that passed. Um and so at this 1384 02:21:15,439 --> 02:21:26,560 current time, the statue of things is that Old Courthouse, Inc. has to vacate 1385 02:21:20,640 --> 02:21:31,520 on May 15, 2026 by 5:00 p.m. and any time thereafter, the county shall have 1386 02:21:28,800 --> 02:21:35,760 the authority to take full possession of the property, including authority to 1387 02:21:33,680 --> 02:21:41,200 remove or retain any and all tangibles left within the property as a result of 1388 02:21:38,319 --> 02:21:45,359 their occupancy. Um, so that's the current status of things and because of 1389 02:21:43,840 --> 02:21:49,880 the time that it took us to research this, I do not remember the question. 1390 02:21:52,000 --> 02:22:00,640 After reading that, can we vote or have a motion placed on 1391 02:21:57,359 --> 02:22:05,040 here not to renew the contract with Old Courthouse, Inc., 1392 02:22:02,880 --> 02:22:09,520 however, to not evict or to move the eviction 1393 02:22:07,760 --> 02:22:14,399 date to give them time to come for DC Museum, 1394 02:22:12,880 --> 02:22:19,800 Inc. to come in compliance as a nonprofit. 1395 02:22:20,000 --> 02:22:27,520 respectfully, you can make whatever motion you deem fit. I think you were 1396 02:22:24,000 --> 02:22:33,040 trying to find out if that can be done um as a legal matter and there's nothing 1397 02:22:30,399 --> 02:22:37,280 illegal about that. To achieve that though, you will be 1398 02:22:34,960 --> 02:22:45,080 resending again for the second time your 1399 02:22:39,439 --> 02:22:45,080 resolution. Now this time it's 26-069 1400 02:22:46,080 --> 02:22:55,680 which gave a termination date effect of May 15th. So you would be resending that 1401 02:22:53,040 --> 02:23:02,000 resolution and then doing something a new which it 1402 02:22:59,040 --> 02:23:08,600 sounds like a motion to extend the deadline for vacating. 1403 02:23:05,600 --> 02:23:08,600 » Yes. 1404 02:23:14,640 --> 02:23:21,680 I can resend my motion that I had on the floor. The one that I had earlier was 1405 02:23:19,600 --> 02:23:27,439 » it was a long I know it's been a while but those two those two conditions which 1406 02:23:23,920 --> 02:23:30,880 you said was not uh applicable or was not something that could be done. So I 1407 02:23:29,680 --> 02:23:33,359 resend my motion. >> Okay. 1408 02:23:31,359 --> 02:23:37,520 » Do we have a motion? Another motion. >> So madam chair just point a question for 1409 02:23:35,120 --> 02:23:42,880 the county attorney. So what I'm hearing is there opportunity for two separate 1410 02:23:39,760 --> 02:23:48,960 motions. One with the motion or what we have on the agenda related to item 1411 02:23:45,520 --> 02:23:56,319 number 16 and then a subsequent motion to potentially do some other action. 1412 02:23:52,080 --> 02:24:00,080 » So item 16 is done, >> right? There was a motion to deny 1413 02:23:58,399 --> 02:24:06,319 issuing a two-year lease to Old Courthouse, Inc. That's done. Um there 1414 02:24:04,000 --> 02:24:15,280 was a vote on that already and so now the discussion has evolved into 1415 02:24:10,800 --> 02:24:22,560 right now I'm hearing a motion to extend the date of termination of the old 1416 02:24:19,200 --> 02:24:25,200 courthouse inc lease. >> That's what I'm hearing now. 1417 02:24:24,560 --> 02:24:29,040 » Okay. >> Which is now just one action, one 1418 02:24:27,439 --> 02:24:33,280 motion, not two. 1419 02:24:31,280 --> 02:24:38,399 » Okay. I'm sorry, Miss Can you restate the first part because I know we took a 1420 02:24:35,520 --> 02:24:42,920 motion and that motion it was to deny two absent abstain. 1421 02:24:45,280 --> 02:24:52,399 » So the motion that uh Commissioner Ker Jones made the motion to deny issuing a 1422 02:24:50,960 --> 02:24:54,800 lease, >> that motion failed. 1423 02:24:53,920 --> 02:24:59,680 » Mhm. >> Because it was a two three vote. 1424 02:24:57,439 --> 02:25:02,880 » No. >> No, but we did it. 1425 02:25:04,479 --> 02:25:09,280 Okay. >> Okay. I'm sorry. I can hear. 1426 02:25:06,880 --> 02:25:13,760 » It's fine. >> We did that motion, Commissioner Kenner 1427 02:25:11,680 --> 02:25:16,720 Jones's motion twice. >> The first one was void. 1428 02:25:16,000 --> 02:25:23,120 » Mhm. >> The second one, everybody voted and the 1429 02:25:19,520 --> 02:25:28,080 vote on the motion to deny issuing a lease to Old Courthouse, Inc. failed. 1430 02:25:26,319 --> 02:25:34,080 » Two, three. Mhm. >> Two people voted in favor of denial. 1431 02:25:30,960 --> 02:25:37,359 Three people voted against denial. 1432 02:25:35,760 --> 02:25:40,560 » That doesn't mean they voted in favor of giving them one. They just voted against 1433 02:25:39,040 --> 02:25:43,200 denying >> issuing the lease. Does that make sense? 1434 02:25:42,560 --> 02:25:47,280 » It does. >> Okay. Then there was another motion made 1435 02:25:45,280 --> 02:25:50,720 by Madame Chair, >> but I weighed in before a second was 1436 02:25:49,120 --> 02:25:52,399 even given that that motion wasn't going to work. 1437 02:25:51,920 --> 02:25:55,920 » Okay. >> Right. 1438 02:25:53,200 --> 02:26:00,399 » Now, Vice Chair Alvarez is talking about a motion. and I don't think he's made 1439 02:25:57,200 --> 02:26:03,680 it, but he's just trying to figure out >> if his motion will work. 1440 02:26:03,359 --> 02:26:06,880 » Right. >> So, that's where we are. 1441 02:26:05,280 --> 02:26:08,640 » So, there's no motion on the floor at this time. 1442 02:26:07,600 --> 02:26:10,160 » Okay. >> Okay. 1443 02:26:08,960 --> 02:26:11,120 » Do we have a motion? Board of Commissioners. 1444 02:26:10,640 --> 02:26:13,840 » Thank you. >> Thank you, 1445 02:26:11,760 --> 02:26:17,040 » Madam Chair. Correct me if I'm say state this wrong 1446 02:26:15,680 --> 02:26:21,600 because we've been talking about quite a bit. 1447 02:26:18,800 --> 02:26:30,000 I would like to make a motion to not approve 1448 02:26:25,120 --> 02:26:35,040 the the lease with Old Courthouse, Inc., but to extend 1449 02:26:32,240 --> 02:26:37,520 the vacate date to 1450 02:26:37,040 --> 02:26:41,680 August. >> Let me stop you. You want to make a 1451 02:26:39,280 --> 02:26:45,800 motion to resend resolution 26-069. 1452 02:26:46,000 --> 02:26:50,800 » Correct. Remember that was the resolution that told him to be out May 1453 02:26:48,880 --> 02:26:53,200 15th. You don't want to do that anymore is what it sounds like. 1454 02:26:52,000 --> 02:26:56,560 » Correct. >> Now go from there. 1455 02:26:54,319 --> 02:27:02,800 » Give me that resolution one more time. >> 069. 1456 02:26:59,280 --> 02:27:07,840 » Okay. Let me try this again. >> Madam Chair, I'd like to make a motion 1457 02:27:04,880 --> 02:27:11,359 to not renew the lease with Old Courthouse, Inc. 1458 02:27:09,920 --> 02:27:17,920 » Sorry. Sorry. to resend >> to rescend 1459 02:27:14,240 --> 02:27:20,920 26-0 resolution 2609 >> 26-069 1460 02:27:21,920 --> 02:27:30,600 and extend the vacate date for 90 days. 1461 02:27:38,160 --> 02:27:44,000 » Okay. and 1462 02:27:41,920 --> 02:27:49,840 to consider 1463 02:27:46,800 --> 02:27:57,680 a new lease went with DC Museum, Inc. 1464 02:27:54,319 --> 02:28:04,399 once they come into compliance with all state laws 1465 02:28:01,120 --> 02:28:08,960 and everything for a lease with the new m with the old 1466 02:28:07,280 --> 02:28:12,000 museum. I mean, I'm sorry, the old courthouse. 1467 02:28:09,600 --> 02:28:19,160 » Let me recommend that you put a period after a motion to 1468 02:28:15,520 --> 02:28:19,160 resend 26-069 1469 02:28:19,200 --> 02:28:28,880 and extend the vacate date by 90 days. >> Okay. Um, let me do this motion act 1470 02:28:26,880 --> 02:28:31,439 number three. I think we like 1471 02:28:29,520 --> 02:28:38,640 » Madam Chair, I would like to make a motion to rescend 26-069 1472 02:28:35,600 --> 02:28:43,760 and extend the 1473 02:28:40,399 --> 02:28:45,760 uh the to extend a vacate date for 90 days 1474 02:28:44,640 --> 02:28:49,240 » from May 15th. >> From May 15th. 1475 02:28:51,040 --> 02:28:54,319 » Do we have a second? >> Do we have a second? 1476 02:28:53,520 --> 02:29:01,240 » I'll second it. >> Okay, we have a motion and a second. So, 1477 02:28:57,280 --> 02:29:01,240 any discussion? Y. 1478 02:29:01,280 --> 02:29:10,319 » So, one thing that I is a more of a comment 1479 02:29:04,960 --> 02:29:17,120 than a question. Would you be arguing to extend the lease for any other nonprofit 1480 02:29:13,840 --> 02:29:22,160 that had committed the egregious gross negligence that has been demonstrated by 1481 02:29:19,600 --> 02:29:28,080 Old Courthouse Museum? And and I say that in the context of you 1482 02:29:25,200 --> 02:29:33,680 have been the leading commissioner championing complaints about the 1483 02:29:31,040 --> 02:29:39,280 unethical behavior about the financial irregularities and issues with the 1484 02:29:36,080 --> 02:29:44,479 coroner's office. You also were one of the leading commissioners who was 1485 02:29:41,600 --> 02:29:49,040 championing and advocating for us not to increase or give additional funding to 1486 02:29:46,560 --> 02:29:54,399 the community services board for the exact same negligent reasons. So, what 1487 02:29:51,600 --> 02:29:58,160 makes the old courthouse museum so different that they get that level of 1488 02:29:56,240 --> 02:30:02,080 special treatment? >> My reason 1489 02:30:00,080 --> 02:30:09,200 is one, the museum to me is part of our county. 1490 02:30:05,359 --> 02:30:13,840 Two, I have stated over and over again, I do not want to extend a lease for Old 1491 02:30:11,359 --> 02:30:19,040 Core House, Inc. And the reasons the re the reasons being is what we discussed 1492 02:30:16,479 --> 02:30:24,560 yesterday and that we all had in-depth conversations about yesterday. 1493 02:30:21,600 --> 02:30:31,840 But my demand would be it would have to be a brand new board completely. They 1494 02:30:28,240 --> 02:30:39,200 cannot be the old board members. This DC museum must be a brand new board and 1495 02:30:34,399 --> 02:30:42,399 must adhere to suggestions or what the what the board of commissioners and the 1496 02:30:40,560 --> 02:30:47,600 county desires. So what I hear you saying in that 1497 02:30:44,319 --> 02:30:53,520 response is that it is more important to protect a person a personal friendships 1498 02:30:50,880 --> 02:30:59,600 and nonprofits than it was to provide mental health services to the Douglas 1499 02:30:56,399 --> 02:31:05,520 County community. people a a provider that sees 70 plus thousand people a year 1500 02:31:03,280 --> 02:31:10,319 as opposed to based on the studies and the records that was provided to us have 1501 02:31:08,080 --> 02:31:15,200 only seen 100,000 people walk through their doors since 1998. So that takes 1502 02:31:13,280 --> 02:31:22,000 priority. We're doing all of this political gerrymandering up here to try 1503 02:31:18,000 --> 02:31:27,359 to figure out how to collude with what we already are aware of has been done 1504 02:31:24,240 --> 02:31:31,920 woefully and properly. We were informed yesterday that if there are legal 1505 02:31:29,120 --> 02:31:36,960 implications, fixing it going forward does not retroactively 1506 02:31:34,080 --> 02:31:40,720 take away our liability. So why would we continue to try to do this? But I'm 1507 02:31:39,439 --> 02:31:45,040 probably not going to get an answer for that. My second question is for 1508 02:31:42,880 --> 02:31:51,680 Commissioner Mitchell. But what what make may I just 1509 02:31:48,319 --> 02:31:55,760 » the reasons why I did not continue to push or to cut funding for the mental 1510 02:31:53,520 --> 02:32:00,000 health. It was what you and I worked on. >> We did cut funding for mental health. It 1511 02:31:57,920 --> 02:32:04,319 went for several hundred,000. And I supported you because I have 1512 02:32:02,000 --> 02:32:09,520 demonstrated over and over whether it is popular or not that transparency, 1513 02:32:07,120 --> 02:32:14,240 integrity, and accuracy matter. And I'm not going to have one standard for the 1514 02:32:12,000 --> 02:32:18,720 community services board and not have the same standard for the museum. I do 1515 02:32:16,560 --> 02:32:24,399 not disagree that we made the right decision in reducing the funding because 1516 02:32:21,040 --> 02:32:27,520 and we reduced it until they get into compliance and we've not readressed it 1517 02:32:26,160 --> 02:32:32,080 since because they've not brought anything back before us to demonstrate 1518 02:32:30,000 --> 02:32:36,080 that they have got in compliance. Just like Old Courthouse, Inc. is out of 1519 02:32:34,479 --> 02:32:39,920 compliance and has been out of compliance. They have not demonstrated 1520 02:32:37,920 --> 02:32:43,520 that they have been good stewards of the facility that was provided to them or 1521 02:32:41,760 --> 02:32:48,160 the funding that was provided to them. So again, I don't understand why we're 1522 02:32:45,920 --> 02:32:52,080 doing all of this round and around. If they want to go and get it right, they 1523 02:32:50,399 --> 02:32:55,600 can go and get it right. But that does not mean that we acquies and give them 1524 02:32:53,920 --> 02:32:58,800 additional time. We did not provide that to anybody else. 1525 02:32:57,280 --> 02:33:03,600 » Well, I agree with you on that that but with 1526 02:33:01,359 --> 02:33:07,920 the CSB, they never came back and tried to make it right. They tried to come 1527 02:33:05,359 --> 02:33:11,840 back multiple times. None of us >> we have not seen them nor have they 1528 02:33:09,920 --> 02:33:16,560 contacted us. I mean I know madam chair sits on the board but they have not 1529 02:33:12,960 --> 02:33:21,520 contacted us since. So I'm just saying give an opportunity for a brand new 1530 02:33:19,600 --> 02:33:24,960 group which we all talked about. It would have to be someone that we could 1531 02:33:23,040 --> 02:33:29,359 work with. It would have to be someone who would hear and listen to our 1532 02:33:27,600 --> 02:33:32,960 suggestions and the community's suggestions to make the museum not just 1533 02:33:31,280 --> 02:33:39,680 good but make it great. But we're extending a lease to an organization 1534 02:33:36,240 --> 02:33:44,399 that we are hoping is is proactively going to do something different, but 1535 02:33:41,439 --> 02:33:49,040 they do not have different, better, or appropriate before us now. 1536 02:33:47,200 --> 02:33:54,560 » But I have a question for Commissioner Mitchell because we've discussed how did 1537 02:33:51,760 --> 02:33:58,640 this get here. I I personally would like to know why the conversation was 1538 02:33:56,880 --> 02:34:03,200 continued because it's not just that O Courthouse, Inc. came back. They were 1539 02:34:01,120 --> 02:34:07,680 requested by you multiple times to come back on the agenda and you said 1540 02:34:06,000 --> 02:34:10,880 » that you were going to go with the recommendation of the community services 1541 02:34:09,760 --> 02:34:15,520 committee. Okay. >> And their recommendation was no. So why 1542 02:34:13,439 --> 02:34:21,760 are we back here now? >> And you're absolutely correct in that 1543 02:34:17,280 --> 02:34:27,280 statement. And that I did. However, I also, let me remind you, suggested that 1544 02:34:24,960 --> 02:34:32,399 they had came with a new idea, a new board, a new entity that I suggested to 1545 02:34:30,640 --> 02:34:35,600 us to take a look at. >> And the committee 1546 02:34:33,600 --> 02:34:39,280 » Well, you going to let me finish or you and said they disagreed 1547 02:34:37,040 --> 02:34:42,720 » and No, we didn't deny that request. It was just a conversation. We did not deny 1548 02:34:41,120 --> 02:34:46,080 that request. >> Commissioner Mitchell, you asked in that 1549 02:34:44,960 --> 02:34:50,319 committee meeting. >> No, not in the committee meeting. No, 1550 02:34:48,080 --> 02:34:56,800 that's not when that when I brought when I was found when I was s when it was 1551 02:34:53,040 --> 02:35:01,680 suggested to me about a potential new organization, a new entity, a new board, 1552 02:34:59,120 --> 02:35:06,160 a new all this, I suggested to this board 1553 02:35:03,280 --> 02:35:12,000 that they might be coming back with a new makeup of what this could be. And I 1554 02:35:09,920 --> 02:35:16,560 said, I suggest that we take a look at this. Now, we we do this all the time. 1555 02:35:14,640 --> 02:35:21,359 How many times from planning and zoning and any other thing that someone bring 1556 02:35:18,000 --> 02:35:25,200 before us that may get denied but they still have the opportunity to come back. 1557 02:35:23,200 --> 02:35:29,280 I didn't say have an opportunity to come back so we can pass or fit. No, it's 1558 02:35:27,359 --> 02:35:32,080 they should have the opportunity to come back. That's what I suggested. 1559 02:35:30,720 --> 02:35:37,120 » You send it back to the community services committee. 1560 02:35:34,080 --> 02:35:41,120 » Listen, I that was their choice and I just only made the recommendation that 1561 02:35:38,960 --> 02:35:43,680 » you didn't make a recommendation. I did make a recommendation and I'll tell you 1562 02:35:43,040 --> 02:35:45,760 when >> board let's let's not go back and forth 1563 02:35:45,439 --> 02:35:49,520 here. >> Well, and I'm not going to go back and 1564 02:35:46,960 --> 02:35:55,280 forth. I'm only saying I I know everybody on sitting on this board note 1565 02:35:51,760 --> 02:36:00,080 when I made that suggestion in one of our meetings and I make it plain and 1566 02:35:57,520 --> 02:36:04,960 clear it was an executive session when I made that that that suggestion to all of 1567 02:36:03,040 --> 02:36:09,520 us. Did I not? And in that same executive 1568 02:36:07,200 --> 02:36:12,399 session, there was not a quorum of people who agreed that it should come 1569 02:36:11,280 --> 02:36:16,080 back on the agenda. >> I didn't say, but that's irrelevant at 1570 02:36:14,000 --> 02:36:20,640 » I only said, No, it's not irrelevant. I only said I made the statement. Now, 1571 02:36:18,479 --> 02:36:22,880 whether or not everybody agreed is a whole different conversation now, I'm 1572 02:36:21,920 --> 02:36:25,120 going to leave it there, Madam Chair. I'm not 1573 02:36:24,160 --> 02:36:30,560 » I'll leave it there. >> Okay. Thank Well, I would just like to 1574 02:36:26,560 --> 02:36:36,720 say for the record that this board is participating in the promotion of 1575 02:36:33,680 --> 02:36:41,920 illegal activities. If you extend their lease, you are acquiescing to gross 1576 02:36:39,439 --> 02:36:45,840 negligence and mismanagement and may the odds be ever in your favor. 1577 02:36:44,080 --> 02:36:50,160 I hope that we're not under indictments again. 1578 02:36:48,000 --> 02:36:54,560 » Uh, no clapping. >> All right. Any other discussion? Okay. 1579 02:36:52,560 --> 02:36:57,920 Commissioner Braxton, you have the floor. 1580 02:36:56,080 --> 02:37:04,000 » All right. Thank you. Guess this may be a question for county attorney. So, if 1581 02:37:01,439 --> 02:37:09,920 this motion passes up until the point in time when all the 1582 02:37:06,479 --> 02:37:17,120 documentation is approved for DC Museum, Inc., will the current facility still be 1583 02:37:14,080 --> 02:37:22,800 allowed to operate under the guise of Old Courthouse, Inc.? 1584 02:37:19,920 --> 02:37:26,560 So, let's be clear that the motion um based on my recommendation was only to 1585 02:37:24,960 --> 02:37:33,520 resend resolution 26-069 1586 02:37:29,920 --> 02:37:37,920 and extend the vacate date for 90 days. >> Thank you. 1587 02:37:34,240 --> 02:37:43,600 » The reason why I said that is because the second part of his motion, consider 1588 02:37:40,640 --> 02:37:47,840 a new lease and all of that, if it happens, it happens. Y'all bring it 1589 02:37:45,120 --> 02:37:54,880 back. If it doesn't, it does not put the onus on this body to do anything until 1590 02:37:51,760 --> 02:38:02,000 those things happen. So, the only thing that this motion does is gives them a 1591 02:37:58,960 --> 02:38:06,080 longer period of time to remain in the old courthouse and continue to operate 1592 02:38:04,319 --> 02:38:11,520 as they have been. It gives them an additional 90 days. That's what the 1593 02:38:08,479 --> 02:38:16,560 motion does for old courthouse for things to remain status quo for an 1594 02:38:13,520 --> 02:38:23,280 additional 90 days. Now, what they do, they being this new entity, what they do 1595 02:38:19,600 --> 02:38:28,720 within those 90 days, if they get the confirmations from the state, from 1596 02:38:25,680 --> 02:38:34,560 the IRS, and get all of their ducks in a row and bring it back to this body for 1597 02:38:31,920 --> 02:38:37,760 you guys to consider issuing a new lease to them, 1598 02:38:36,399 --> 02:38:43,920 I don't think that's something you can control. That's on them if they want to 1599 02:38:40,160 --> 02:38:48,720 continue down that road, right? Um, so that's why I asked for the period after 1600 02:38:46,960 --> 02:38:52,640 rescending. If that's not what Vice Chair Alcarez wants, he is free to amend 1601 02:38:51,200 --> 02:38:56,240 his motion. >> All right. So, so thank you for that 1602 02:38:54,479 --> 02:39:00,880 clarification. And I think what I'm hearing, and correct me if I'm wrong, is 1603 02:38:58,399 --> 02:39:05,439 things will stay status quo for the next 90 days and stay and remain in effect 1604 02:39:04,160 --> 02:39:10,960 the way they are now >> if the motion passes. 1605 02:39:07,840 --> 02:39:16,960 And so with that being said, the museum will continue to be open and run under 1606 02:39:14,000 --> 02:39:18,960 the opice of Old Courthouse Inc. >> status quo. 1607 02:39:18,399 --> 02:39:21,200 » Okay. >> No. 1608 02:39:20,640 --> 02:39:24,720 » Okay. >> You you can't issue a lease to DC. They 1609 02:39:24,080 --> 02:39:27,439 don't exist yet. >> There's no exist. Right. And I just want 1610 02:39:26,399 --> 02:39:33,120 to, you know, just get that clarification that there is no changes. 1611 02:39:30,240 --> 02:39:37,680 Nothing changes for the next 90 days. At least the next 90 days if this motion 1612 02:39:35,520 --> 02:39:42,080 passes. The other option is during the 90 days there can be a new action by 1613 02:39:40,240 --> 02:39:48,399 this body to receive the information from DC 1614 02:39:45,040 --> 02:39:53,680 museum and a new lease can be issued at that time. Right. If that's what this 1615 02:39:51,040 --> 02:39:57,760 body so chooses. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you for that 1616 02:39:55,359 --> 02:40:00,560 clarification. Um looks like commission vice chair. Do you have a a point to add 1617 02:39:59,600 --> 02:40:02,640 on this or >> I do. 1618 02:40:01,040 --> 02:40:04,880 » All right. Madam Chair, I'll yield the floor back to you. 1619 02:40:03,359 --> 02:40:09,840 » Okay. Thank you so much, Commissioner Braxton. 1620 02:40:06,319 --> 02:40:15,280 » I I thought I was being clear to not approve the lease. So, not operating as 1621 02:40:12,399 --> 02:40:21,600 is for 90 days. It's just to extend a vacate date. That's all I wanted. So, 1622 02:40:19,120 --> 02:40:25,600 not operating as is, no old courthouse, Inc., it will have to be closed for 90 1623 02:40:24,640 --> 02:40:29,760 days. >> So, that's a different conversation. 1624 02:40:27,359 --> 02:40:34,160 » That That's what I That was my >> intention. That's where I was going with 1625 02:40:31,120 --> 02:40:37,680 this because no I there was issues that I've already stated that was brought to 1626 02:40:35,359 --> 02:40:40,399 our attention about Oak Courthouse Inc. So no that has to be done and we have to 1627 02:40:40,000 --> 02:40:43,280 the only >> So you want them to close the museum is 1628 02:40:42,560 --> 02:40:47,040 what you're saying >> it's going to have to be 1629 02:40:44,160 --> 02:40:53,200 » okay. So then the the vacate date 1630 02:40:50,640 --> 02:40:56,880 is one thing >> but you still want the lease terminated. 1631 02:40:56,399 --> 02:41:01,200 » Correct. >> Okay. So that changes your motion. Yes. 1632 02:40:59,920 --> 02:41:04,479 » Well, that's the point I was trying to get to because we're going to have 1633 02:41:03,040 --> 02:41:08,800 anything going forward is going to have to be with a new nonprofit. 1634 02:41:08,399 --> 02:41:13,200 » Understood. >> There was things that was brought to our 1635 02:41:09,920 --> 02:41:18,560 attention yesterday that we cannot deny >> and so that was just my whole point was 1636 02:41:16,080 --> 02:41:21,760 that no business as usual, but until they confirm that they can bring 1637 02:41:19,920 --> 02:41:28,800 presentations back to us, but it's just to extend their vacate date. 1638 02:41:25,840 --> 02:41:33,920 So I think it needs to be clear then that your motion is to continue with the 1639 02:41:32,720 --> 02:41:36,479 termination. >> Correct. 1640 02:41:34,319 --> 02:41:42,240 » It's just that they do not h and the museum shall be closed effective May 1641 02:41:39,920 --> 02:41:47,359 15th at 5:00. But that the county will not take 1642 02:41:44,800 --> 02:41:50,640 possession of the property. >> Correct. 1643 02:41:48,080 --> 02:41:55,359 » For at least 90 days. >> Correct. 1644 02:41:52,160 --> 02:41:58,000 That's a change in in what then what we discussed or what I understood you 1645 02:41:57,200 --> 02:42:02,720 wanted to do. >> Okay. Then I would like to amend my 1646 02:42:00,479 --> 02:42:04,399 motion >> here again. 1647 02:42:03,280 --> 02:42:07,280 » That's fine. >> To terminate the lease with O 1648 02:42:06,399 --> 02:42:10,800 Courthouse, Inc. >> Okay. So that's where I get confused 1649 02:42:08,960 --> 02:42:12,800 because the the lease has already been terminated. 1650 02:42:11,200 --> 02:42:15,280 » Terminated. Okay. So it's already terminated. 1651 02:42:13,359 --> 02:42:18,960 » It's already terminated. >> Okay. 1652 02:42:17,359 --> 02:42:22,720 So then if it's already terminated, then we're just extending the 1653 02:42:21,120 --> 02:42:26,080 We're just extending the vacate date. Am I not? 1654 02:42:23,200 --> 02:42:31,920 » And I think you need to include museum closed, not open to the public, 1655 02:42:29,600 --> 02:42:37,359 » and that the county will not take possession for at least 90 days. 1656 02:42:33,600 --> 02:42:41,240 » Okay. Then my amendment is for the courthouse to be closed 1657 02:42:41,600 --> 02:42:47,439 » and not open to the public. >> Not open to the public. Not under old 1658 02:42:46,000 --> 02:42:53,600 courthouse, Inc. We just >> Right. Right. Right. Yeah. What was 1659 02:42:50,399 --> 02:42:56,600 but to extend the vacate date for 90 days. 1660 02:43:08,080 --> 02:43:13,680 » Madam Chair, I think you can ask for a second on the amendment. 1661 02:43:11,520 --> 02:43:17,040 » Okay. Or this let's call it a substitute motion because it will take precedent 1662 02:43:15,200 --> 02:43:21,760 over the main motion. So it's a substitute motion, not an amendment. 1663 02:43:19,280 --> 02:43:23,920 Okay. >> Do we have a second? 1664 02:43:22,960 --> 02:43:26,920 » I'll second that. >> Okay. 1665 02:43:27,760 --> 02:43:36,319 Any discussion board? Okay. 1666 02:43:33,040 --> 02:43:41,920 All right. We've been talking so long. >> I think you need to do a hand raise. 1667 02:43:38,000 --> 02:43:45,120 » Do I need to do a hand? All in favor of >> the substitute motion 1668 02:43:43,120 --> 02:43:51,680 » of the substitute motion. Please by raising your right hand. All oppose. 1669 02:43:49,120 --> 02:43:57,800 We have a 32 vote in the motion carries for that piece for this motion that's 1670 02:43:54,560 --> 02:43:57,800 been made. 1671 02:44:02,720 --> 02:44:07,920 » So, Madam County attorney, that's it. I 1672 02:44:06,080 --> 02:44:10,160 believe you had a second motion. Are you Are you finished, Vice Chair? Are we 1673 02:44:09,920 --> 02:44:12,240 good? >> I'm done. 1674 02:44:10,960 --> 02:44:13,840 » Okay. I think I'm done. >> That's it. Okay, 1675 02:44:13,120 --> 02:44:18,560 » that's it. >> Okay. If I may add, thank you all. We're 1676 02:44:17,279 --> 02:44:22,960 finished with this motion and we're going to move on. But just to hear some 1677 02:44:20,560 --> 02:44:28,880 dialogue about um I didn't go, you know, with CSB 1678 02:44:26,080 --> 02:44:34,399 because uh I'm I'm disappointed. I can say this about uh cutting funding for 1679 02:44:31,840 --> 02:44:39,279 the behavioral health services in our county. I'm going to make it very clear. 1680 02:44:36,240 --> 02:44:43,200 I don't work for politics. I work for the people of Douglas County, all of 1681 02:44:40,880 --> 02:44:48,160 them. So everything that comes before my desk means something. Whether it's a 1682 02:44:45,840 --> 02:44:52,240 museum, whether it's behavioral health, whether it's food stamps, whatever we 1683 02:44:50,000 --> 02:44:57,200 need to do to take care of our citizens, that's what I expect to do. CSB hadn't 1684 02:44:54,880 --> 02:45:02,399 been back before you all because we have worked on our billing and gotten things 1685 02:44:59,279 --> 02:45:07,200 in order and uh we may come back, but I'm just disappointed to hear how we 1686 02:45:04,800 --> 02:45:10,720 decided not to fund them. So with that being said, we're going to move on. Um, 1687 02:45:09,040 --> 02:45:15,279 madame clerk, let me move on before I get on my horse. Please. 1688 02:45:13,200 --> 02:45:18,800 » Uh, next thing is the consent agenda. Chairman, we'll need a motion on 1689 02:45:17,439 --> 02:45:22,960 » Okay. Board of Commissioners, do we have a motion? You review the consent agenda. 1690 02:45:20,720 --> 02:45:25,120 We had discussions on yesterday. Do we have a motion to approve the consent 1691 02:45:24,479 --> 02:45:27,840 agenda? >> So, move second. 1692 02:45:26,240 --> 02:45:34,520 » We have a motion in a second. Any discussion? Oh, no discussion. We 1693 02:45:30,080 --> 02:45:34,520 discussed. Just please cast your votes. 1694 02:45:39,439 --> 02:45:47,120 Motion carries. 5. >> We have a 50 unanimous vote and the 1695 02:45:42,880 --> 02:45:52,640 motion carries. Okay. Where's communications? Would you please 1696 02:45:49,439 --> 02:45:55,040 provide our um updates today for us? 1697 02:45:54,319 --> 02:45:58,560 » Yes, ma'am. >> Thank you so much. 1698 02:45:56,640 --> 02:46:02,000 » Good afternoon again to Madame Chair, board of commissioners, and county 1699 02:45:59,840 --> 02:46:08,319 administration. I am here to read today's announcements. 1700 02:46:05,439 --> 02:46:14,560 Okay, you have the floor. Join chairman Dr. Ramona Jackson Jones on Tuesday, May 1701 02:46:11,279 --> 02:46:19,920 19th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at New Mountain Baptist Church for a senior 1702 02:46:17,359 --> 02:46:25,279 symposium. The event will include information and resources regarding 1703 02:46:22,000 --> 02:46:30,240 senior safety, Medicare, legal services, and more. A light lunch will be served. 1704 02:46:28,720 --> 02:46:35,920 And for additional details and registration information, please contact 1705 02:46:32,800 --> 02:46:41,640 Dionpin at dpen at douglas countyga ga.gov 1706 02:46:37,680 --> 02:46:41,640 or call 770-920-7269. 1707 02:46:43,840 --> 02:46:50,479 The public is invited to join District 1 Commissioner Henry Mitchell III for his 1708 02:46:48,399 --> 02:46:56,479 next coffee and conversation on Saturday, June 6th, 2026 at the Woody 1709 02:46:53,840 --> 02:47:00,399 Fight Senior Center. Share your ideas, connect with fellow citizens, and learn 1710 02:46:58,479 --> 02:47:05,680 more about public safety, community engagement, and other important topics. 1711 02:47:04,240 --> 02:47:10,560 Join Commissioner Mitchell in partnership with Streets 94.5, 1712 02:47:08,319 --> 02:47:15,520 Grateful Hands, and Fit for the Future for Hoops for Inclusion, a star-studded 1713 02:47:13,359 --> 02:47:20,800 celebrity basketball game fundraiser dedicated to disability awareness and 1714 02:47:17,840 --> 02:47:25,600 inclusive programs. The game will be held on Saturday, June 6th at Steuart 1715 02:47:23,279 --> 02:47:30,080 Middle School in the Love Joy Gymnasium at 3 p.m. with a pre-party beginning at 1716 02:47:28,240 --> 02:47:34,479 100 p.m. Commissioner Mitchell is also working to 1717 02:47:31,920 --> 02:47:39,040 raise awareness about prostate cancer in commemoration of National Prostate 1718 02:47:36,560 --> 02:47:43,920 Cancer Awareness Month, an observance dedicated to increasing public knowledge 1719 02:47:41,120 --> 02:47:48,880 of the most common non-skin cancer in American men and the second leading 1720 02:47:46,080 --> 02:47:52,880 cause of cancer related death among men. He'll share important information and 1721 02:47:50,800 --> 02:47:58,319 updates each week leading up to the national observance in September. 1722 02:47:56,720 --> 02:48:03,200 Join District 3 Commissioner Martin Rexton, State Senator Danzella James, 1723 02:48:01,040 --> 02:48:08,880 and Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington Jr. in partnership with the 1724 02:48:05,600 --> 02:48:13,279 HOA Alliance for the Douglas County HOA boot camp on Saturday, May 9th from 1725 02:48:11,200 --> 02:48:18,399 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church. The two-hour session 1726 02:48:15,520 --> 02:48:23,279 will offer information, resources, and insight into HOA management and 1727 02:48:20,640 --> 02:48:28,399 participation. The event is free and open to the public. The Mirror Lake 1728 02:48:26,160 --> 02:48:33,200 community cookout hosted by Vice Chair and District 4 Commissioner Mark Alcarez 1729 02:48:30,640 --> 02:48:38,319 and Douglas County Sheriff 10 pounds has been rescheduled. The new date and time 1730 02:48:35,840 --> 02:48:44,080 are Saturday, May 30th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lifegate Church in 1731 02:48:40,880 --> 02:48:49,359 Villa. The event is free and open to the public and promises to be a day filled 1732 02:48:46,160 --> 02:48:53,840 with fun and fellowship. Douglas County presents Homewardbound, 1733 02:48:51,520 --> 02:48:58,800 an art exhibit honoring the legacy of artist Donald Wayne Holman. Come explore 1734 02:48:56,800 --> 02:49:05,040 Holman's beautiful collection of artwork along with amazing pieces by featured 1735 02:49:01,120 --> 02:49:09,760 artist Susan Een Burns and PQ. Join us this Friday, May 8th, for a special 1736 02:49:07,279 --> 02:49:14,479 exhibit, showing and reception from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the third floor 1737 02:49:11,760 --> 02:49:18,880 courthouse art gallery. Together, let's reflect, honor, and enjoy this 1738 02:49:16,399 --> 02:49:24,000 meaningful celebration. The event is free and open to the public. Mark your 1739 02:49:21,760 --> 02:49:28,800 calendars for Saturday, May 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for the Great 1740 02:49:26,399 --> 02:49:32,800 Shredding event presented by Keep Douglas County Beautiful in the Douglas 1741 02:49:30,640 --> 02:49:38,319 County Courthouse. Bring your unwanted documents free from staples and paper 1742 02:49:34,800 --> 02:49:42,640 clips and come shred with us. Exciting news to share. Douglas County has 1743 02:49:40,479 --> 02:49:48,080 officially been licensed to host two community watch parties in connection 1744 02:49:44,720 --> 02:49:53,120 with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The celebrations are scheduled for Saturday, 1745 02:49:50,160 --> 02:49:58,240 June 27th and Sunday, July 19th at Boundary Waters Park. The events will 1746 02:49:55,600 --> 02:50:03,600 feature food trucks, vendors, games, family activities, and massive screens 1747 02:50:00,800 --> 02:50:08,000 to capture every moment of the action. Tickets will be available on a first 1748 02:50:05,520 --> 02:50:14,640 come, first- serve basis beginning June 1 for the June 27th watch party and July 1749 02:50:11,680 --> 02:50:19,840 1 for the July 19th watch party. Admission is free, but tickets must be 1750 02:50:16,800 --> 02:50:23,359 secured via an online platform. For ticket info and everything you need to 1751 02:50:21,600 --> 02:50:26,359 know before you go, visit watchtheubdouglas.com. 1752 02:50:26,560 --> 02:50:32,880 Finally, we'd like to recognize several recent commissioner achievements. 1753 02:50:31,359 --> 02:50:36,560 Congratulations to District 1 Commissioner Henry Mitchell III on his 1754 02:50:34,960 --> 02:50:41,840 recent certification from the Association County Commissioners of 1755 02:50:38,479 --> 02:50:45,760 Georgia, also known as ACCG Lifelong Learning Academy. Commissioner Mitchell 1756 02:50:43,760 --> 02:50:50,880 completed the academyy's specialty track in public safety. Congratulations to 1757 02:50:48,720 --> 02:50:55,840 District 3 Commissioner Martin Raxton on his election to a two-year term as vice 1758 02:50:53,359 --> 02:50:59,920 president of the Georgia Association of Black County Officials during the 1759 02:50:57,840 --> 02:51:05,840 Association County Commissioners of Georgia's recent annual conference. 1760 02:51:03,760 --> 02:51:10,080 Congratulations to Vice Chair and District 4 Commissioner Mark Alcarez on 1761 02:51:08,000 --> 02:51:14,240 his recent certification from the Association County Commissioners of 1762 02:51:11,840 --> 02:51:17,520 Georgia Lifelong Learning Academy. Commissioner Mitchell, excuse me, 1763 02:51:15,840 --> 02:51:22,080 Commissioner Alcarez completed the academy specialty track in leadership 1764 02:51:19,600 --> 02:51:25,080 development in quality of life social issues. 1765 02:51:26,080 --> 02:51:32,160 Vice Chair Alcarez was recently honored with the healing the community award 1766 02:51:30,160 --> 02:51:35,840 presented by the Nickel Center in recognition of his outstanding work to 1767 02:51:33,920 --> 02:51:40,319 expand mental health programs and strengthen public safety initiatives in 1768 02:51:37,840 --> 02:51:43,359 our community. We applaud each of these commissioners on their notable 1769 02:51:41,760 --> 02:51:47,520 achievements and appreciate their service to the city citizens of Douglas 1770 02:51:45,920 --> 02:51:49,920 County. And madam chair, I yield the floor back to you. 1771 02:51:48,479 --> 02:51:55,479 » Thank you so much, Christian. Let's give the commissioners another hand for all 1772 02:51:52,080 --> 02:51:55,479 their hard work. 1773 02:51:58,640 --> 02:52:07,680 All right. Do we have any other items to come before the board? If not, do we 1774 02:52:06,000 --> 02:52:11,760 madam, we don't need a count. Okay, we don't need executive session. If there's 1775 02:52:09,760 --> 02:52:15,600 nothing else to come before this body, do we have a motion to recess, go into 1776 02:52:13,760 --> 02:52:19,040 recess until 6 p.m. tonight for the joint PNZ and BC meeting? Do we have a 1777 02:52:18,399 --> 02:52:20,160 motion? >> So move. 1778 02:52:19,680 --> 02:52:25,120 » Second. >> We have a motion and a second. Any 1779 02:52:22,319 --> 02:52:28,359 discussion, please? If none, please cast your votes. 1780 02:52:28,960 --> 02:52:37,760 » Motion carries. 5. Okay, we are now in recess and board of commissioners, I'll 1781 02:52:35,279 --> 02:52:41,240 we will return at 6 pm for our PNZ meeting. Thank you.